The figures are derived from the cost study conducted by Davis Langdon and are tracked using the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), formerly BERR/DTI, cost indices for 2 typical commercial buildings; a regional office block in Manchester and a prestige company headquarters in London.

In their latest survey (Q3 2010), the concrete frame and floor options cost an average of £160.36 per square metre. This is £47.55 more than the average steel cost of £112.81 per square metre.

In comparison with 1995, the cost differential between the average steel and concrete options is actually wider today. The steel options were £12.10 cheaper in 1995 whilst they represent a saving of £47.55 per square metre in 2010.

The cost of a frame and floor is a relatively small part of the total cost of a development. However, the selection of a steel frame reduces timescales and has a beneficial effect on other major variable cost items such as foundations, cladding and services, leading to significant cost savings for the overall project.

Please click here to view the cost comparison study booklet