Metal studs are an excellent alternative to wood framing and can last for decades with minimal maintenance. Metal stud framing typically costs between $2 and $5 per square foot .
Recently, metal studs have been priced lower than wood studs of the same size, making metal framing an affordable option for your project. When metal studs are used in load-bearing applications, they can be stronger than wood framing, and they are available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses to suit your specific project needs. This article will discuss the cost benefits of using steel studs instead of wood. AdvertisementGet Home Construction Estimates at Just
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What is metal stud framing?
Metal stud framing is the use of cold-formed steel components to construct interior and exterior walls. Studs and tracks are the two main elements of metal stud framing. Heavy gauge metal studs are used in load-bearing walls and structural applications, such as exterior walls. Lighter gauge metal studs are used in non-load-bearing applications.
Metal studs are used in framing in the same way as wood studs. They come in many sizes, just like wood studs. Most metal studs are mechanically fastened with screws. Deflection connections can be used where earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricane activity is a problem. These connections prevent flexing of the ceiling above the framed wall in a seismic event by transferring twisting stresses to the framing below. To strengthen the connection, stiffener plates are often used around openings.
How does metal stud framing compare to traditional wood framing?
Aside from cost, there are other benefits to using metal studs in the construction process.
The metal framing process is fast and easy
Metal studs can be cut with a hacksaw or metal shears and do not require the use of a saw blade. However, if you are using a miter saw or chop saw, you can cut 10 or more studs at once. Even without electricity, you can cut metal with shears and attach them with a cordless drill.
In addition, metal framing does not warp like wood, so there is no need to pre-drill pilot holes. Metal framing does not warp, so no additional measures are needed to keep the frame square.
Metal framing doesn’t require each stud to be cut to the exact length. They can still be attached to the metal track with screws, even if they are a little short. This also saves time, since you can take a general measurement of the length needed along the wall and cut them all to the same size. In the case of a remodel, this is a huge convenience.
Metal framing is light and strong
Metal studs are lighter than wood. On average, cold-formed framing studs are 10% lighter than wood. This is based on dry weight. If rain has soaked the wood, the weight of the metal stud will remain the same, but the weight of the wood can double.
When you go to the lumber yard to pick up wood studs, you quickly discover that no two studs are alike. Many of them are bent or cut, so you’ll have to sift through the inventory to find straight pieces. After you get your straight studs, the next step is to keep them straight, storing them in a dry flat place until they’re needed. Removing and replacing wood studs requires a lot of effort. With metal, it’s much easier; just unscrew the old ones and screw in the new ones.
Framing with metal studs can save you money
In the past, wood was the most affordable framing material available to professional contractors. It was readily available across the country, and its quality was good. Recently, all of that has changed. Supply chain issues have made wood scarce, and even when it is found, it is very expensive. The price of some wood framing products has increased by 167% since last August 2021. Today’s Homeowner Tip
Compare this increase to metal studs. Even though steel prices have increased, they are still a better value when it comes to home framing.
According to statistics, the average cost per square foot of framing material in steel is $2 – $5 per square foot (depending on the gauge). Framing material for wood is $5 – $10 per square foot on average. Labor rates are still the same for both.
When you combine the savings in material costs with the additional savings gained by spending less time in the framing process, using metal studs makes sense. Get Your Estimate From a Professional Home Builder Contact an expert for help with your new home.