Standard Length for Metal Studs

Description

• A stud is the vertical member placed every 16 to 24 inches on center around the perimeter of a room or along the exterior walls of a structure. The stud does not typically bear weight or provide a structural role. Instead, the metal stud gives the carpenter a surface to anchor the drywall to — drywall applied to both sides of a framed interior wall makes the wall stronger. Metal studs are made of steel and are usually galvanized to protect the steel from weather and water damage. Metal studs are easy to cut through to provide openings for pulling electrical, plumbing and data lines around the perimeter of a room.

Types

• Metal studs used in interior walls are preformed, c-shaped lengths of metal that are cut on site to fit the needs of a construction framing project. Some manufacturers prepunch the metal stud with holes and channel knockouts for running internal wires and pipes. Not all metal studs are used for interior framing. Some metal studs are designed to be used in ceilings, stairwells and curtain walls — curtain walls are exterior walls designed not to take weight from or support a roof—and will be noted as being for use in these areas. H-shaped metal studs are designed to separate walls requiring a fire rating and are typically used in constructing multifamily dwellings per a building code.

Sizes

• Metal studs are sold in standard lengths of 8, 9 and 10 feet. The standard width of a metal stud ranges from 1 1/4 to 2 1/2 inches. Metal studs designed for load bearing offer lengths of up to 12 feet with widths as wide as 3 5/8, 4 and 6 inches. Metal studs are purchased in bundles that may contain anywhere from 12 to 180 pieces. Choosing the proper gauge of metal may include checking local building code for requirements. When working from a set of construction documents, the gauge of metal stud may be listed in the specifications. Metal studs are available in the following gauges: 16, 18, 20, 22 and 25.

Advantages

• Metal studs are attached using metal tracks that are fastened at the floor and ceiling before the stud is put into place. Most manufacturers provide metal stud track systems that are premarked at distances of 16 and 24 inches making placement quick and easy to accomplish — installing traditional wood studs requires premarking the appropriate distance between studs. Unlike wood studs, metal studs will not shrink, warp, twist or crack.