Hi,
I have looked at all the information and I have decided to go with steel studs for my basement. (For my reasons, I can't do wood...sorry).
I have done research on this, blocking for hanging stuff, fireblocking, and wood framing for doors, etc. I will be doing this project in little snippets here and there.
I am planning on the 2" XPS on the walls which seems the route that is most advocated. I will use the PT base plate, with plastic between the metal track and PT for chemical reactions from the PT copper.
No vapor barrier, and not sure if I will insulate between the studs or not yet.
My poured concrete walls are wavy, so I will leave a bit of an air gap, so there wont be any support from behind for the perimeter walls.
I have not had been able to source a drywall supply house in the NW suburbs of Chicago, but the big box has Ultrasteel studs at 20g and 25g.
With this in mind.....
What would be the best gauge and thickness of the studs? 20 or 25g...
1 5/8", 2 1/2", 3 5/8" ?
Stud spacing? Standard 16" or less than standard (more $$ but stronger...right?)
Thanks,
I appreciate all the input I can get.
I have looked at all the information and I have decided to go with steel studs for my basement. (For my reasons, I can't do wood...sorry).
I have done research on this, blocking for hanging stuff, fireblocking, and wood framing for doors, etc. I will be doing this project in little snippets here and there.
I am planning on the 2" XPS on the walls which seems the route that is most advocated. I will use the PT base plate, with plastic between the metal track and PT for chemical reactions from the PT copper.
No vapor barrier, and not sure if I will insulate between the studs or not yet.
My poured concrete walls are wavy, so I will leave a bit of an air gap, so there wont be any support from behind for the perimeter walls.
I have not had been able to source a drywall supply house in the NW suburbs of Chicago, but the big box has Ultrasteel studs at 20g and 25g.
With this in mind.....
What would be the best gauge and thickness of the studs? 20 or 25g...
1 5/8", 2 1/2", 3 5/8" ?
Stud spacing? Standard 16" or less than standard (more $$ but stronger...right?)
Thanks,
I appreciate all the input I can get.