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Metal Studs versus Wood Studs
The Pros and Cons of Wood and Metal Studs
By Mark J. Donovan
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Metal studs have a number of
advantages over traditional wood studs. Metal studs, for example, are much
lighter than wood studs, making them much easier to transport and carry. They’re
also perfectly straight, unlike wood studs, which is key to building straight
and plumb walls. To further appreciate this advantage, just go to any large home
improvement center and try to find a couple of dozen perfectly straight kiln
dried wood studs from the wood crib. Good luck, as you’ll certainly need it. I
think of pretzels every time I sift through the crib for straight wood 2x4 wall
studs. Metal studs, unlike wood studs, also won’t burn and are impervious to
insects.
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Wood Studs Sturdier than Metal
Studs
This said, wood studs are much sturdier than metal studs and will support more
weight. This could be an important factor if for example you want to hang a
heavy item, such as a flat panel TV or mirror, on the wall. You certainly
wouldn’t want to hang cabinets on walls fabricated with metal wall studs. Also,
if the wall requires plumbing you’ll want to use wood studs. In addition,
attaching baseboard trim, crown moulding and chair rail to walls constructed
using metal studs is more challenging. Moreover, doors or windows require wood
studs to be used around their openings so that there are nailing surfaces to
attach them. Consequently combinations of metal and wood stud walls may be
necessary in some situations.
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Metal Studs are Straighter and
Won’t Rot
Metal studs, versus wood studs, also won’t warp or rot, thus ensuring long
lasting straight walls. Metal studs also effectively do not expand or
contract with temperature changes. Wood studs on the other hand experience
significant expansion and contraction. The expansion and contraction of wood
studs inevitably results in popped drywall nails and screw heads, and joint
cracks at corners and seams. Metal wall studs can rust, however, thus it is
important to install a moisture barrier when using metal studs.
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Metal Studs Have Pre-Cut Openings for Running Electrical Wires
Metal studs also come with channel openings in them to allow for electrical
wires to be drawn through them. However, electrical boxes for metal studs cost
more than the ones available for wood studs. In addition, plastic grommets must
be inserted in the metal stud openings to prevent chafing and damage to the
electrical wires.
Metal Stud Framing is Easy
The installation of metal studs is also easy. Vertical metal studs are attached
to metal floor and ceiling tracks, akin to bottom and top plates associated with
wood stud framing. The metal wall studs are cut to size using aviation snips.
The metal studs are fastened to the tracks using pan head screws. To ensure the
walls are built perfectly plumb, a plumb ball should be used to make sure the
top and bottom tracks are perfectly aligned with one another. |
Photo By Mark Donovan |
Metal Studs are Good Conductors of Cold Temperatures
Heat transfer, or should I say cold transfer, is another negative with metal
studs. Metal studs are more thermally conductive. Thus cold temperatures can
easily transfer through them, which can lead to moisture problems, which in turn
can lead to potential rust concerns. In cases where metal studs are to be used
on outside walls, polystyrene insulation should be used between the outside wall
and the metal studs to provide a thermal barrier.
So when undertaking a new home construction or remodeling project, take a close
look at both types of wall studs. Each has their unique advantages, and pricing
can similar depending market conditions.
For a comprehensive new home construction
checklist, see my
New Home Construction Bid Sheet. The New Home Construction Bid
Sheet provides a request for quote checklist section that you can provide to
prospective building contractors. It also includes a comprehensive new home
construction cost breakdown table, in Microsoft Excel format, that allows the
contractor to include his projected new home construction costs for every phase
of the project.
How to Finance your New Home Construction Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
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Framing Resources
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