Steel wall studs can replace most wood studs.
Standard wall studs are 2x6 strips of wood. Modern engineering has developed steel replacements for most walls. Metal wall studs are used most frequently in partition walls and nonload bearing walls. However, the design and manufacture of steel has increased the frequency of steel studs acting as full replacement for the sturdy wood counterparts. Aluminum studs are available for nonload bearing applications. The types of metal studs are C-shaped members, tracks and fasteners.
C-Shaped Member
The C-shaped member is a metal stud that follows the standard dimensions of a 2x6 wood beam. The metal stud is solid on the top, bottom and one side. The other side has a lip on the top and bottom, which, when seen from the ends, makes a "C." The C-shaped member is used as a vertical stud. The stud is usually predrilled with access holes for electrical conduit and plumbing. Always cut the studs to the size needed on the same end for each stud to keep the precut holes level after installation.
Tracks
The tracks look just like the C-shaped members but do not have the lips. The tracks are mounted on the ground and ceiling. The metal stud is shaped properly to allow the C-shaped members to sit inside the track tightly. Tracks, and C-shaped members, are available in different thicknesses, rated by gauge. The gauge ranges from 12, which is the thickest at 97 mils, to 25. Twenty-five-gauge steel studs are typically only used in partition walls. Twelve-gauge can be used for load-bearing applications.
Fasteners
Fasteners range from slide clips to furring. Metal studs do not bolt directly to the ceiling or floor but instead are secured to the track using slide clips, backing plates and straps. The fasteners secure the vertical studs to the tracks to create a sturdy and stable surface. Various types of joists are used to mount horizontal studs. Corner braces join the ends of tracks. One of the most important fasteners is the screw. Use self-tapping framing or sheathing screws to properly hold materials, such as drywall, to the metal studs. Manufacturers of metal studs provide data sheets that list the specific types of fasteners that are ideal for different projects and applications.
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