They don’t burn, rust, or rot, and termites and other insects can’t eat them.
The factory-punched holes eliminate time-consuming drilling when installing wiring and plumbing, and metal studs are remarkably lightweight.
If you’re accustomed to wood construction, steel studs may even seem flimsy.
Credit: Dana Gallagher
Ready to make the move to metal?
Attach the runner (a jot down of channel) to the floor.
Find the Runner’s Place
Put on gloves as you begin working with the metal studs.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Mark the plumb stud’s edges on the ceiling; repeat at the opposite end of the wall.
Snap a chalk line to join the marks.
Know Your Studs:You’ll find steel studs and runners in sizes similar to their wood counterparts.
The minimum flange size is 1-58 inch, and the maximum is 2 inches.
You’ll notice a lip running along the flange of steel studsthis improves their rigidity.
(You canuse a stud finderhere if the ceiling is intact.)
Does your wall run parallel to the joists?
Check with your steel-framing supplier for more information.
You don’t need to mark the upper runner.
Double-check the spacing of the layout before you attach any studs.
Slice through both flanges of the stud first, then cut the web.
To speed up the process, outfit yourcircular sawor miter saw with a steel-cutting abrasive blade.
Watch where sparks land to ensure they don’t smolder on the dust within the saw.
load the Studs
Insert a stud into the upper and lower track with a twisting motion.
Drive a screw into the metal to secure the stud to the runner.
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Repeat this process at ceiling height.
The fastener that fulfills all of the above is a No.
8x12-inch modified truss head self-drilling screw with Phillips drive.
(ensure both lines are square with the ends of the piece of runner.)
Expert Tip:If you’re undertaking a big project, consider investing in a punch lock stud crimper.
(This also is an alternative to the previous step for hanging cabinets.)
If you don’t add blocking, you’ll need to attach moldings with construction adhesive and trim-head screws.
Use the same installation techniques you would use for a normalwood-stud wall.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
