If you are looking for more information on metal studs then, you’ve come to the right place.
The use of Metal Studs
Metal Studs
The use of metal studs in not new to the construction business. Although the use of metal studs in earlier times was restricted to very exclusive buildings, they were being used in construction off and on. Even now, the use of metal studs is not very rampant, but it is very common in the construction of strong and tall buildings. The Home Depots still prefer wooden lumbers in them, although metal studs are stronger and more durable.
The use of metal studs in residential homes has taken time to evolve and people are starting to use them for regular construction. The use of wooden lumbers over metal studs can be attributed to the ease of use for the wooden lumbers.
Advantages
Working With Metal Studs
Metal studs are very strong and impervious to fire, termites and other hazards that may be experienced in case of the wooden lumbers. Steel studs are hollow on the inside and do not necessarily weigh a ton, as may be perceived. In fact, the metal studs can be lighter than wooden lumbers, which have to be heavy to withstand pressure. Moreover, the quality of wooden lumbers has to be very good if they are to last, thus making them expensive. Studs on the other hand are cheaper and very durable.
Disadvantages
The durability and strength of metal over wood can be a great advantage in the long run, but it can be a problem in construction. Cutting steel studs is very difficult and takes a lot of time and effort. A certain type of machinery or extended amount of manual labor may be required for the purpose, while wooden lumber can be cut easily using a regular saw. The risk of hazards cannot be overlooked either. Apart from the obvious dangers involved in using the circular saw by hand, there are risks involved regarding the condition of the ear because of the unbearable amount of noise produced.
Examples Of Metal Studs
As the metal studs are still unusual to a certain extent, they are available in certain measurements only. Special dimensions can only be found at the mega stores that cater to contractors and distributors. The studs available at the regular stores will usually be the same size as the wooden lumbers, i.e. 2 x 4’, ranging from 8 to 12 feet.
The ease of use of the wooden lumbers is still not possible with the metal stud. Driving a simple wall screw into a stud may require a lot of practice and effort while wooden lumber practically draw the screws in.
Wooden Lumbers or Metal Studs
Wood Studs
The inherent advantages of metal make it a very potent and useful construction tool. The light weight and cheap material make it a very optimal choice but there are many drawbacks to it. There is very little the laborers can do to accommodate changes; it is either this way, or that way. Moreover, the use of steel needs specialized items like special electric boxes, plastic bushings, etc, making the work more hectic and costly, thus taking away the advantage of cost.
Steel is used more in partitions and basements and has not been particularly preferred in load bearing walls without the use of drywall. Thus, wood is sturdier, easier to use and works out cheaper in the long run. Thus, when putting up a wall with metal studs is as much work as wood lumber and much more expensive and inconvenient; the wooden lumber prevails in construction. Though, metal studs may be inevitable is heavier construction projects.
