What is CFMF?
New England's First Dedicated CFMF Specialist
Cold-formed metal framing (CFMF) — sometimes called light-gauge steel framing — is a framing system built from precision-engineered steel studs and tracks instead of wood. It's stronger, more dimensionally stable, fire-resistant, and increasingly the standard for multifamily, commercial, and mixed-use construction across New England.
Network Framing Solutions was the first company in New England to specialize exclusively in CFMF, back in 2018. That head start matters; we've spent years refining processes other crews are still learning, which means fewer surprises on your jobsite and a crew that's seen it before.
What Makes CFMF Different from Wood Framing
Consistency. Steel doesn't warp, shrink, or rot. Every stud is exactly what the spec says it is.
Speed. Prefabricated panels and components mean less on-site cutting and faster erection.
Code compliance. CFMF meets fire and structural codes that wood often can't on its own, especially in mid-rise and commercial builds.
Sustainability. Steel is recyclable and reduces job-site waste compared to lumber.
For a closer look at the broader benefits of steel construction, see Why Steel?
Why Project Teams Choose Network Framing Solutions
We were first, so we're furthest along.
Being the first dedicated CFMF specialist in New England means our team has logged more field hours, solved more edge cases, and built tighter relationships with suppliers and inspectors than newer entrants to the space.
Women-owned, built to last.
Network Framing Solutions is a WBENC-certified woman-owned business, qualifying as both a women-owned business and an MBE under Connecticut's Set-Aside Program — meaning partnering with us can help satisfy state-funded supplier diversity requirements, not just check a values box. We stand behind every project we frame.
A trusted handoff.
When your project needs installation alongside framing, our sister company, Network Interiors, is our go-to installer — so you're not stuck stitching together vendors who've never worked together before.
We're known for being helpful, not pushy.
No hard sell. Ask us anything about your CFMF scope, and we'll give you a straight answer, even if it's not the one that gets us the job.
Common Questions About CFMF
What does CFMF stand for? Cold-Formed Metal Framing — steel framing components shaped at room temperature (rather than hot-rolled), used for structural and non-structural framing in commercial and residential construction.
Is CFMF the same as light-gauge steel framing? Yes — "light-gauge steel framing" and "CFMF" refer to the same framing method and are often used interchangeably.
What kinds of projects use CFMF? Multifamily housing, commercial buildouts, mixed-use developments, ADUs, additions, and any project where fire rating, speed, or precision matter more than the lowest-cost wood option.
Does Network Framing Solutions handle installation too? We specialize in framing and prefab. For installation, we refer trusted partners — most often our sister company, Network Interiors — to keep your project moving without a handoff gap.
Ready to Talk Through Your Project?
Whether you're scoping a multifamily build or just trying to understand if CFMF is right for your project, we're happy to walk through it.
Contact Us
Reach out with any questions or schedule a tour at our facility.