Steel Stud
This steely version of the wood stud can frame a home with a few extra benefits
Steel studs are mostly used in commercial settings but are becoming increasingly popular in residential construction, due to some interesting benefits. Steel studs are manufactured, so they are perfectly straight, whereas a wood stud can be warped or bowed, throwing all good measurements off. Steel studs won't shrink or split; they are strong, lightweight and fire resistant; and they don't attract insects or suffer from wood rot.
Whereas a wood stud needs to be cut on a saw with each measurement, a steel stud can be snapped by hand after a small cut is made with wire snips. Steel studs also have predrilled holes for running electrical wire through. On the downside, steel studs transfer cold and condensation to the exteriors of walls, and though they are recyclable, the pollution incurred during the process can outweigh the benefits. Wood, on the other hand, is biodegradable and renewable.
Whereas a wood stud needs to be cut on a saw with each measurement, a steel stud can be snapped by hand after a small cut is made with wire snips. Steel studs also have predrilled holes for running electrical wire through. On the downside, steel studs transfer cold and condensation to the exteriors of walls, and though they are recyclable, the pollution incurred during the process can outweigh the benefits. Wood, on the other hand, is biodegradable and renewable.
Steel studs are shown in this image, where the wall meets the ceiling. Unless the studs are exposed, it's impossible to tell when steel instead of wood studs are used to frame a home.
The basic construction of a steel-stud frame is roughly the same as with wood. Space the studs no farther than 16 inches apart, align them on a track attached to the floor, use wire snips to trim the studs to the correct height, clamp the studs while they're level and use screws to attach them permanently.
Drywall can be hung using screws, too. Screws are easier to remove than nails when mistakes are made with measurements.
Drywall can be hung using screws, too. Screws are easier to remove than nails when mistakes are made with measurements.
Exposed steel studs are used in this space as a design element. Notice the evenly placed holes on the studs. These are for running electical wire or other building materials through the studs if the walls are to be enclosed.
This converted garage was formerly a wide open industrial space. Steel studs were used to frame out rooms, and polycarbonate glazing and plywood sheath the walls.