When it comes to remodeling your home or basement finishing, there are a lot of different types of studs to choose from. But take a trip down to the hardware store, and you’ll find that there are only two main types of studs to choose from: Wood and Metal.Cons of Wooden StudsThere are a couple of drawbacks to consider when thinking about wooden studs and metal studs. Depending on the type of project, you may want to take these factors into consideration when making your choice as well.
The following cons of wooden studs are why so many new home builders are making the switch to steel:
Wood can warp and rot. If exposed to a lot of water or humidity, the wooden studs may be rendered useless. It’s harder to protect them during the wetter months of the year.Wood is more expensive than steel. Wood was considered cheap at one point, and even though some of the softer woods aren’t as expensive as hardwood, the comparison cost between wood and metal studs is significant.Wooden studs can be difficult to install. You’ll need a lot of tools on your belt, such as a table saw, a nailer, and traditional hammers and nails, in order to properly secure those studs in.You can take a look at our basement finishing pricing to get an idea of costs.
Metal Studs: Seriously Superior?The Big Debate Metal Studs vs Wood Studs – Sebring Design BuildStructural metal studs are some of the most commonly seen studs in the hardware store. But are they the most used in actual construction projects? Let’s find out.
What Are Metal Wall Studs?Metal wall studs, which are typically composed of steel, are usually intended for use in basement walls. They can also help design DIY partition walls or other parts of simple metal structures.
Metal framing studs are used to support a non-load-bearing wall. This kind of wall is commonly found at Home Depot or Lowe’s, and is often referred to as light-gauge metal framing. Temporary structures and partitions are usually constructed with this kind of material. Framing with metal studs is generally a simple, quick, and affordable process.
Metal Studs Vs. Wood? What’s the Deal with That?There’s a huge debate over whether or not a steel stud can be used in a wooden frame. The general verdict is that it definitely can, and since steel is much more lightweight than wood, it wouldn’t cause the wood to be worn or stretched down.
What are the Best Screws for Steel Studs?Just like with wooden studs, there are a variety of options to choose from with steel. The only material you CANNOT use on steel studs is traditional nails. There is no way you can hammer into a steel structure with a nail. Only wood is puncturable.
You can use a drywall screw for metal studs to make up for the lack of nails available. Drywall screws are very easy to insert, and they are easy to remove as well in case you make a mistake. Remember to think structurally, as the placement of the studs can determine the integrity of the entire frame.
What Are the Different Types of Metal Studs?There are even more standard sizes of steel studs than there are wooden studs.The standard metal stud sizes range anywhere from 2 ½” to 14” and above. The size of the stud depends on the depth of the frame it’s being attached to.
For special projects, you can use TV mount metal studs, which are perfect for custom or DIY projects. Whether you have a new flat-screen TV you’d like to mount on the wall for your basement, or you want to make some more steel frames that will sit sturdily in the room, you can use TV mount studs to keep them in place.
These are special studs that will allow you to firmly attach your mount into the wood or drywall-based wall. A load-bearing wall can definitely support the weight of a television or a similar item.
Pros of Metal StudsAccording to the pros, there are a lot of benefits to take advantage of when it comes to metal studs. If you’re working on a special basement project, or you want to remodel a single room in your house, you might want to consider the pros of metal studs when compared to traditional wooden studs.
Check out some of the biggest benefits below:
Steel studs will never warp or rot. They do not wear and tear over time, and they are not affected by moisture or humidity. You can rely on steel studs to remain straight and sturdy for longer than a lifetime.Steel studs weigh less than wood. They are lighter by nature, making them easier to store in bulk and less difficult to maintain once they’re installed.Metal studs are not subject to termites or fire. If you have termites in your home, you can be sure that your wooden studs will fall victim to the bugs sooner or later. But with all steel studs, there’s nothing for those pesky bugs to eat. Plus, steel is fire-proof for even more protection!Steel studs are more affordable than wood. That’s right; metal is cheaper! A lot of studs are now made from recycled materials, which cut down costs when compared to disposable wood.
dassmetal 