Step By Step Instructions Of Framing A Wall With Metal Studs
The long-established choice of materials when it comes to framing houses is wood. However, when it comes to commercial construction steel framing is the norm, largely, due to the fact that steel studs are inherently fire-resistant. But, steel framing is slowly & cautiously catching on with home remodelers. It has some advantages over wood, which may include being lightweight, inexpensive, and strong. Additionally, it won't rot, shrink, or warp, making steel framing an ideal choice for framing walls in a basement, where moisture can create problems. Walls framed with steel are usually built in place, one piece at a time. The primary fastener is a sheet metal screw & the primary tools include a drill/driver and metal snips.
Thing's You Will Need
- 1 Tape Measure
- 1 Chalk Line
- 1 Plumb Bob
- 1 Drill/Driver
- 1 Metal Snips
- 1 Metal Track And Studs
- 1 Pan-Head Sheet Metal Screws
Step 1: Lay Out The Wall
First of all, you need to lay out both sides of the wall on the floor with the help of chalk lines. When it comes to a concrete floor, it is important to predrill ?-inch holes before attaching the track using masonry screws. Use pan-head sheet metal screws when it comes to a wood floor.
Step 2: Transfer Layout
Now, transfer the layout from the floor to the ceiling with the help of a plumb bob (you can use a chalk line). If your wall is running parallel to the joists, then you need to install blocking in order to provide an anchor point. Screw the track to the joists with the help of pan-head sheet metal screws.
Step 3: Splice Track
To splice two lengths of track together, you need to cut a 2-inch slit in the center of one piece's web before compressing opposite flanges, to a small degree, as you slide the pieces together. For corners get rid of the flange from one of the pieces and overlap the webs.
Step 4: Lay Out Studs
Lay out the stud locations on the top as well as the underside tracks. Cut the studs to length before standing them in the tracks. Friction will take hold of them in place while you check them for plumb. Fasten them using short pan-head sheet metal screws.
Fastening Metal FramingMetal framing needs a variety of specific screws. Panhead sheet metal screws ½ inch in length are used when it comes to fastening metal pieces. These screws can also be used to secure or affix the track to a wooden floor and ceiling joists. If the ceiling is already covered with drywall, then you can use 1¼-inch-long screws in order to reach through the drywall into the joists. Drywall screws 1¼ inches in length are used when it comes to attaching drywall to metal studs. Attach or secure the trim with 1½-inch (or longer) trim head screws, their small-diameter heads countersink neatly, which in turn makes it easy to fill the resulting holes. To fasten a metal track to a concrete floor, you can use power-actuated fasteners or concrete screws. The power-actuated fasteners are fired from a nail gun. Use a No 3 load having a ½- or ?-inch pin.
Step 5: Make Headers
Now, it is time to make doorway headers from the lengths of the track before cutting the flanges at 45 degrees and bending down the web to form a right angle. The bent part should be at least 1½ to 2 inches long. Attach or secure the header using a single screw driven through each of the four resulting tabs.
Step 6: Add Plywood Blocking (Optional)
If you are going to hang cabinets or trim on a wall that is framed with metal studs, you need to install pieces of ¾-inch plywood between the studs in order to provide a surface to screw into. You can insert 2x4s into headers as well as studs at door openings to provide a surface for attaching doorjambs.