Consider using metal studs instead of traditional wood. The traditional choice of materials for framing houses is wood. But in commercial construction steel framing is the norm, largely because steel studs are inherently fire-resistant. Steel framing, however, is gradually catching on with home remodelers.
How do you work with metal studs?
What You Need
- Insert Studs SCW_171_03.jpg Cut metal studs and channels with tin snips.To make wiring easier in the future, be sure that you cut the studs so that their electrical ...
- Insert Bushing SCW_171_04.jpg Steel studs come with pre-cut keyholes designated for threading electrical wires. Determine the route you want your wires to go. ...
- Pull Cable Through
What are the standard sizes for a metal stud?
Structural Studs
- Standard Web Size: 2-1/2” (250S), 3-1/2” (350S), 3-5/8” (362S), 4” (400S), 5-1/2” (550S), 6” (600S), 8” (800S), 10” (1000S), 12” (1200S), 14” (1400S)
- Flange Sizes: 1-3/8”, 1-5/8”, 2”, 2-1/2”, 3”.
- Thickness: 33 mils (20ga), 43 mils (18ga), 54 mils (16ga), 68 mils (14ga) and 97 mils (12ga).
Can you use metal studs in a basement?
When used in smaller residential buildings, metal studs are most often used for basement framing. They have many qualities which make them particularly useful when you want to turn your dusty old cellar into a finished basement. Unlike wooden studs, metal studs don’t warp in humid conditions.
How to build a metal stud wall?
Stud Framing Calculator
- Determine total linear feet of the project. This amount is the total amount of length of top and bottom racks you'll need.
- Multiply linear feet by 12 to determine linear inches and divide by 16 to find the maximum number of studs needed. ...
- Locate all electrical outlets and switches. Each requires a box. ...
Why are metal studs flimsy?
If you're accustomed to working with wood construction, metal studs may initially seem flimsy. That' because they'e not designed for strength on their own —instead, they partner with the drywall as a systems approach to wall construction.
Can termites eat metal studs?
We'll show you how to use metal studs for the job. Metal studs have a lot to offer a homeowner who's considering a remodeling project. Metal studs are straight when you buy them, and stay that way. They don't burn, rust, or rot, and termites and other insects can't eat them.
Do metal studs support weight?
Most walls in remodeling projects are non load-bearing, meaning they don't help support the weight of the house. If you need to build a load-bearing wall, make sure your metal studs are rated for that use. If you're accustomed to working with wood construction, metal studs may initially seem flimsy.
Can you drive nails on a wood stud wall?
With blocking, you can drive nails or screws just as you can with a wood-stud wall. Without wood backing, install moldings to the studs with construction adhesive and trim-head screws. Then, snap plastic grommets into the punch-outs to prevent the sharp edges of the stud from slicing the insulation on electrical wires.
What to do if you are building a home with steel framing?
If you decide to go with a home construction that uses steel framing, you will want to be sure to get a contractor that is familiar with the process. There are many subtle changes to the process, even though the majority of the actual construction is relatively the same.
Is steel framing good for a new home?
on Mar 10, 2020. Building a new home using steel framing can be a very good long term investment, as they last longer, and carry a better warranty than wood. Steel is not effected to the degree wood is when it comes to temperature, or insects.
Why do metal buildings come with metal siding?
That’s because steel finishes are durable and inexpensive, and they allow us to offer the best possible value. A simple look can be striking and modern, and some people like this kind of look, especially combined with a custom spatial design.
How many inches is a wood frame?
A traditional wood framed house uses studs, joists and rafters for its frame, usually spaced at 16 inches on center. To prevent fires from spreading too easily, each story of the house is built as a unit, topped with a wood deck.
What is light gauge metal framing?
Light gauge metal framing is a steel imitation of standard lumber, and it shares many of its disadvantages. First it’s expensive – usually more expensive than wood and a lot more expensive than our larger metal frames. Second, it has just as many thermal breaks as a wood frame, and they can conduct even more heat than wood does. ...
Is a light gauge steel frame as hard to build as a wood frame?
Finally, a light gauge steel frame is just as complex and difficult to build as a wood frame.
Is metal building cheap?
Metal buildings are strong, inexpensive and quick to build. That’s great for a barn, garage, storage building or workshop and when our customers see just how economical and adaptable our buildings are, they ask,
Do houses have wood cladding?
Most houses have wood cladding on their walls, wood sheathing on their roofs and wood interior finishes, as well. That’s a lot of material! The type of steel frame we design at MBMI is much less expensive than a wood frame. It’s stronger, too.
How do I cut steel studs?
To cut steel studs, snip both sides, then score and bend. Most home centers sell circular and chop saw blades designed for cutting steel studs, but one pro prefers a quieter and less messy approach. He cuts both sides with snips and scores a line on the back.
What blade do you use to cut metal studs?
If you need to cut dozens of metal studs and tracks quickly, use a circular saw fitted with a toothless (Carborundum) metal-cutting blade ($7). When cutting individual steel studs or tracks with a circular saw, cut on the closed (or “web”) side and support the piece tightly on sawhorses.
How do I drywall an inside corner?
The proper way to drywall an inside corner is to slide the first sheet all the way into the inside corner and then fasten the last stud on the wall adjacent to the drywall. To do this, you’ll need to leave that last metal stud loose until the drywall goes up.
Do steel studs shrink?
You’ll like steel framing for the many advantages it has over wood: Steel studs are perfectly straight. They don’t shrink or split. Steel studs are light and easy to store, plus they resist fire, insects and rot.
Can you use plywood to build a stud?
You can use plywood or 2x4s, but make sure you cut a kerf in it to accept the lip on the inside of the stud. If you don’t, that lip of the stud will press against the support board and twist the stud, creating a bow in the wall. Build up the bottom plate. Base trim can still be installed with trim screws.
Is steel stud cheaper than wood?
And you’ll really like the fact that steel studs are about 30 percent cheaper than wood. At first, you’ll find framing with steel studs to be slower than with wood studs, because you’ll be working with unfamiliar materials, techniques and tools. But once you get the hang of working with steel, it’s very user-friendly.
Can you install trim with 2x4?
Build up the bottom plate. Base trim can still be installed with trim screws. If you don’t like the look of the screw heads, you can install two layers of 2×4 plates instead of steel track. With 3 in. of wood under the track, you’ll be able to nail all the base trim just as you would a wood-framed wall.
The Advantages of Metal Studs
When used in smaller residential buildings, metal studs are most often used for basement framing. They have many qualities which make them particularly useful when you want to turn your dusty old cellar into a finished basement.
The Drawbacks of Metal Studs
While metal studs have many advantages, there are a few drawbacks you need to consider as well.
Conclusion
Once used mainly for commercial buildings, metal framing is becoming more common in residential basements. If you have the skill or know somebody who does, metal framing can make your basement renovation a lot easier and longer-lasting.
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What tools do I need to make wood studs?
Wood studs, on the other hand, require more heavy-duty tools, such as a framing nailer (which takes physical strength to wield, not to mention skill for placement), circular saw, table saw, chop saw, a hammer and nails.
Where do steel studs come from?
On top of that, many steel studs are created from recycled cars and other metal structures, while wood studs only come from one place: a living tree. While trees are a finite resource that, once rotted, disappear back into the dirt, metal studs can be recycled at will, which means you can keep your carbon footprint to a minimum.
Why do builders use wood?
This is mostly due to traditionalism because in many situations wood is actually an inferior product to steel. There are always considerations to make on both sides of the story, however, and knowing which to use in your own home’s construction is a personal decision ...
Why is metal cheaper than wood?
First, it can be made from recycled material, which drives the cost down compared to a one-time-use material such as wood. Second, its lightness and ease of installation mean less money on the labor front.
Is metal easier to install than wood?
Installation specifics vary by material type, but metal is typically easier to install than wood. The material is lighter, easier to maneuver and easier to cut since the builder needs only common hand tools like a drill, rivet gun and electrical shears.
Is steel stronger than wood?
Steel wins every time when compared point by point with the strength of wood, simply because metal is stronger than wood. On top of that, while wood warps, twists, expands and contracts in the warm, humid months of the year, or in the presence of heavy rainfall and humidity, steel always remains straight, stable and strong. Steel studs also weigh less than traditional wood studs and their strength-to-mass ratio is far greater than that of wood. Steel is also impervious to fire, making it a safer and more durable material for homes.
What is a track in steel framing?
There are two basic steel framing components: studs and tracks. The track functions as the top and bottom plates. When you’re metal stud framing, lay out your walls and openings just like you would with wood, but when you install the bottom plate, don’t run the track across the door openings.
Can you install base trim with screws?
Base trim can still be installed with trim screws. If you don’t like the look of the screw heads, you can install two layers of 2×4 plates instead of steel track. With 3-in. of wood under the track, you’ll be able to nail all the base trim just as you would a wood-framed wall.
Do you butt up drywall sheets?
Drywall sheets don’t butt up to each other at inside corners. One of the sheets will be slid all the way to the back of an inside corner. So, when you lay out the stud locations for metal stud framing, slide your tape measure all the way to the back of the track. 9 / 13.
Can you cut steel studs straight?
Unlike wood, steel studs are reliably straight. Cut one stud to size and use that, along with a level, to mark the location of the top plate at both ends, and snap a line to guide placement. Don’t worry about cutting your studs to fit perfectly. It’s completely unnecessary in metal stud framing. This is a great advantage if you’re working on an uneven floor. You can cut steel studs about 1/4-in. shorter than the actual measurement.
Can you use plywood to make a bow?
You can use plywood or 2x4s, but make sure you cut a kerf in it to accept the lip on the inside of the stud. If you don’t, that lip of the stud will press against the support board and twist the stud, creating a bow in the wall. 8 / 13.
Do you need hearing protection on steel studs?
After bending the stud back and forth a few times, you’ll end up with a burr-free cut. No need for hearing protection and no metal shavings sticking to your boots. Caution: Steel studs and tracks are sharp- you should wear gloves. 4 / 13.
Can drywall crack after drywall is hung?
After the drywall is hung, that last stud on the intersecting wall will be fastened to the drywall. Once again, this method requires fewer studs and results in a rock-solid joint that’s almost guaranteed not to crack the drywall mud. Leave the top and bottom tracks short to allow room for the drywall to slide behind.
