![]() Although they’re becoming more popular for basement work, metal frames are still more commonly found in commercial buildings.įinding a metal framer willing to work on remodeling your basement may be more challenging than finding someone to do the job in wood. Metal Studs Require Experienced ContractorsĮvery residential contractor has worked on wood frame projects. You’ll also want to make sure to wear a mask, as inhaling metal dust can be considerably worse for your health than inhaling sawdust. The saws you use to cut wood won’t work on metal studs. The DC668KA was designed for professional metalworkers and steel frame contractors. A powerful screwdriver such as the DeWalt DC668KA Cordless Screwdriver (link to Amazon) will be necessary for the job. ![]() You can’t put a nail through a metal stud. While metal studs have many advantages, there are a few drawbacks you need to consider as well. While as much as 20 percent of the lumber purchased for construction jobs winds up discarded as scrap, the figure for metal studs is closer to 2 percent ( source). It can have knots, cracks, or imperfections that you only discover on the job site. Metal Studs Are More Consistent Than Lumber These bushings are made to fit irregularly-shaped holes in metal studs. Protectors such as the Arlington SB-130 Metal Stud Bushings (link to Amazon) will keep your wires intact and help you comply with state and federal building codes. One warning: because metal studs have sharp edges you need to make sure your wires don’t get frayed or torn. This makes your job (or your A/V installer’s job) a lot easier. Metal studs come with holes for electrical and plumbing lines. If you want to turn your basement into a home theater, you’re going to be running an awful lot of cables and speaker wires. When you get everything screwed together you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover this flimsy frame is rigid enough for hanging drywall. Unlike the steel girders used for weight-bearing in skyscrapers, light-gauge framing steel is considerably lighter than a 2x4 of comparable length.Īs you carry your metal studs into your basement you may wonder how such thin, light metal could be suitable for construction work. Metal Studs Are Lighter Than Woodīasement construction means getting your building material down a flight of stairs. Steel frames won’t put out a fire, but they can make it much easier to contain a fire and keep it from spreading. If your basement also serves as a storage area, you probably have a fair bit of flammable material downstairs. Steel is non-combustible and won’t feed a blaze. Metal frames are required in most buildings over 70 feet (21.34 m). When a building catches fire, wooden frames can go up like tinder. Metal Studs Are Fire-Resistantīetween 19, the New York City Fire Department fought one million fires thanks largely to multi-story wood-framed buildings suffering from urban decay ( source). If your basement is consistently damp or regularly takes on water, building with metal studs now may save you a great deal of heartache down the line. They can stand up to steam and handle damp basements, steamy showers, and even flooding.Ī metal frame will get through conditions that’ll leave wooden frames moldy, swollen, and irreparably damaged. For that reason, metal studs are frequently used when building bathrooms and basements. Unlike wooden studs, metal studs don’t warp in humid conditions. Metal Studs Are Water and Mildew-Resistant They have many qualities which make them particularly useful when you want to turn your dusty old cellar into a finished basement. When used in smaller residential buildings, metal studs are most often used for basement framing. Check out the Champion 4375/3500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator - RV Ready! (link to Amazon) The Advantages of Metal Studs
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