Use metal studs.
Builders have been using wooden studs to build frames and put up walls for many years but now there is another option. Stainless steel studs are becoming more and more popular thanks to their light weight, low cost, ease of use, and resistance to warping, rotting and water damage. The main drawback to metal studs is their inability to carry the weight load that wood can, but if you are building non-load bearing walls the benefits of metal studs far outweigh the negatives.
Instructions
1. Purchase steel studs for the job. Purchase enough track style steel framing to line the entire length of floor and ceiling where your new wall will stand. Purchase enough studs to stand in the tracks 18 inches apart for the length of the wall. This is a standard framing pattern. Always purchase a bit more than you need in case of error. This extra can always be returned to the store if unused.
2. Lay out your materials in an open space with plenty of room for cutting the studs and track. Cut your track to fit the floor and ceiling lengths required. Measure and mark your tracks with a marker, then cut the edges using metal shears or snips. With the edges cut, bend the track back and forth until it splits. Repeat this process to cut all your tracks as needed. At corners cut one edge of a track and lay the other track on top of it to create a flawless angle.
3. Screw each track into the floor and ceiling using 1-inch drywall screws and your screw gun. Begin to measure and cut your studs so they fit into the base of the upper and lower tracks with no extra space. Cut the edges with your snips and bend the center to break apart. Insert your studs into the tracks at 90 degree angles at top and bottom. Screw each stud into place using your screw gun and self-tapping 1/2-inch sheet metal screws and screwing through the track into the stud. At the end of the track make sure your last stud stands smooth face out and even with the track. Do the same for doorways and windows.
4. Install any cross beams or headers at doorways, windows or other openings using your metal studs. Cut each header about 3 inches longer than it needs to be at each end. Snip the edges and bend the stud in one direction. The resulting flap is your means of attaching the cross beam to the standing beam. Hold the header in place and fasten together through the flap into the beam using your self-tapping screws and screw gun. Make sure the smooth side of the header faces the opening.
5. Install your Sheetrock as you would on a wooden framework. Use fine thread drywall screws appropriate to the thickness of your wall board. Once in place, the Sheetrock will make the wall a solid structure and trim, outlets, light switches, etc may be added.
Related posts
Metal studs provide a cheaper alternative to wood.When constructing wall framing, the traditional material of choice has been wood, but now many interior, non-load-bearing walls are being framed w...
Metal Stud Framing TechniqueMetal studs are used extensively in commercial and residential construction. Different techniques are used to install metal studs compared to wood studs. The obvious di...
Metal wall studs are as easy to finish as wood wall studs.Metal wall studs are not as strong as wood wall studs, but installing the drywall covering will strengthen the metal wall framing. The cos...
Nails won't hold drywall to steel studs.Builders frequently frame new walls in commercial buildings and apartments with steel studs. These studs are lighter than wooden studs, which is important i...
Like wood stud walls, metal stud walls consist of upright framing members joined at the top and bottom to horizontal framing members.Although generally more expensive than wood, steel framing syst...
