metal wall studs

gary d

how easy are these to use and how do they compare price wise with wood also do you place 16" oc?

Daniel Holzman

Metal studs are commonly used in commercial framing. I have seen them placed 24 inch OC, however they could be used 16 OC if there was a special need. The techniques for connecting them are completely different than for wood studs, however once you adjust they are great to work with, since they don't twist or bow like wood. You do need fittings when you run wires through them to keep the wire from getting damaged. Drywall attachment is also different than wood.

spark plug

In residential applications you have to be careful, though, when planning to hang kitchen cabinets. Then, according to the "experts" wood is preferred. Also, there is a slight difference in price. Metal studs being lower priced. As far as the studs being spaced @ 24" O.C., the vast majority of partitions (in commercial applications) are still built to the regular standard of 16" O.C.! (no matter what)Don't Drink and Drive, Ever!!!

concretemasonry

For added rigidity and lower deflection, steel studs may also be at 12" O.C., but that totally kills (by 40% or so) the effective insulation on external walls with fiberglass insulation (thermal short-circuiting).

Dick

bjbatlanta

The gauge of metal studs sold at home stores will require 16" spacing and you will need to add wood backing for anything that you are planning on attaching (other than pictures). As far as price, I wouldn't bet they're much, if any, cheaper these days with the price of metal skyrocketing. The HD web site shows an 8'x 3-5/8" metal stud selling for $3.58 (+ tax) and 10' track (needed top and bottom) is $3.98+. I think you can buy 2"x4"'s cheaper.....

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