Structural steel studs and wood studs for drywall play a crucial role in both commercial and residential construction projects. However, choosing the right type of steel studs can be challenging due to variations in thickness, flange sizes, and steel types.
Are steel studs superior to wood studs? Let’s dispel the confusion surrounding the broad term “steel” and understand the capabilities of structural steel studs.
With this knowledge, you can make an informed decision when comparing steel studs to wood studs for your next project.
What is a Structural Steel Stud?
Structural steel studs are designed to withstand environmental loads such as snow, earthquakes, wind, dead loads, and live loads. They have thicker galvanizing and wider flange sizes compared to light gauge metal studs.
The thickness of structural steel studs is measured in mils, with thicker mils indicating greater strength.
Designation Thickness for Structural Steel Studs in Mils.
- 33 Mils – 20 gauge (structural)
- 43 Mils – 18 gauge
- 54 Mils – 16 gauge
- 68 Mils – 14 gauge
- 97 Mils – 12 gauge
- 118 Mils – 10 gauge
Two Types of Structural Steel
The term “steel” encompasses various metals used in construction, but in commercial projects, two main types are prominent: cold-formed steel and structural steel.
When people refer to structural metal studs and steel framing studs, they usually mean cold-formed steel, which differs significantly from structural steel in terms of manufacturing and application.
Structural Steel
Structural steel comprises hot-rolled steel beams cast while the steel is molten hot. These materials are thicker, heavier, and more robust than cold-formed steel, primarily used in large-scale load-bearing applications such as bridges and industrial buildings.
Structural steel can serve as the load-bearing frame for structures like bridges, industrial buildings, and large commercial projects.
Cold-Formed Steel Studs
Cold-formed steel refers to the thin steel products that most people associate with steel studs, similar in function to traditional wood studs. Unlike structural steel, cold-formed steel is manufactured at room temperatures through a process involving rollers and stamping.
Common cold-formed steel products are also known as structural steel studs, with standard thicknesses ranging from 12 to 18 gauge, typically pressed into C or Z-shaped studs or tracks.
Notable brands like Marino, Clark Dietrich, and Cemco produce similar products with nearly identical technical specifications.
Clarifying Steel Stud Confusion
Both structural and cold-formed steel components find application in structural projects, sometimes even in the same project. The primary distinction lies in size and intended use.
Structural steel is hot-rolled and reserved for large, load-bearing applications.
Cold-formed steel is produced cold and commonly used for steel stud drywall framing, exterior in-fill framing, certain load-bearing applications, or CFMF floor joist systems.
Using Structural Steel Studs
Distinguishing between structural and cold-formed steel framing opens up a multitude of applications for structural metal studs in commercial construction.
If you have experience with these studs, you know there’s a wide range available, varying in sizes, thicknesses, flange sizes, strength, and gauges. The combination of these characteristics determines their suitable applications.
For instance, some CFS studs serve as axial load-bearing walls, while others are ideal for floor joist assemblies. The gauge and flange size play a crucial role in selecting the right steel stud size for a specific application.
Five Flange Sizes of Cold-Formed Steel Studs
1 ⅜”
The 1 ⅜” flange size features a ⅜” return, and it often supports exterior walls and withstands wind loads. EQ studs at this size are commonly used for drywall installation.
1 ⅝”
The 1 ⅝” steel stud is considered the industry standard for exterior framing. These studs, with a ½” return, are prevalent in non-structural metal framing like curtain walls and possess adequate vertical strength for structural metal-framing applications such as floor joist assemblies.
2”
2” flange studs with a ⅝” return offer a broader surface, making them suitable for sheathing materials. They are also used in axial load-bearing walls.
2 ½”
2 ½” flange studs, featuring a ⅝” return, have a wide flange and are ideal for floor joist assemblies in heavy load-bearing applications.
3”
3” flanged studs are utilized in the most demanding load-bearing applications, despite being less common and more expensive. Their installation can be more challenging due to their weight, but they are invaluable in structural metal framing.
Identifying Steel Studs
Recognizing the size and thickness of steel studs visually can be challenging. Fortunately, manufacturers like Clark Dietrich are required to label each stud with printed codes indicating width, flange width, thickness, and steel strength.
In addition to printed labels, steel studs and tracks are color-coded at the ends to differentiate thickness. These colors range from blue for the thickest to black for the thinnest.
Where Structural Steel Studs Are Used in Construction
- Interior Walls With Structural Framing: For projects extending beyond the capabilities of interior light-gauge steel studs, structural steel studs may be required. This is often the case for taller walls or when increased lateral deflection is needed to prevent cracking in finish materials.
- Exterior Curtain Walls: Exterior steel stud-framed curtain walls are designed to withstand high seismic, wind, and lateral loads as dictated by local building codes. Structural steel studs can be engineered to surpass the toughest conditions for various projects, depending on the facade material (Brick, EIFS, or Stucco) and lateral deflection requirements.
- C-Joist Floor Framing: Structural steel C-Studs and C-Joists are employed for framing floors within specified spans and loads, utilizing joist hangers for attachment and requiring solid blocking and strapping for proper bracing of the floor assembly.
- Interior and Exterior Load-Bearing Walls: Structural steel studs can serve as an effective alternative to structural steel beams and columns for framing load-bearing walls,supporting walls and posts in load-bearing constructions. Clark Dietrich manufactures the Heavy-Duty Stud (HDS), designed with superior strength for load-bearing buildings.
- Exterior steel stud-framed curtain walls are designed to withstand high seismic, wind, and lateral loads as dictated by local building codes. Structural steel studs can be engineered to surpass the toughest conditions for various projects, depending on the facade material (Brick, EIFS, or Stucco) and lateral deflection requirements.
- Structural steel C-Studs and C-Joists are employed for framing floors within specified spans and loads, utilizing joist hangers for attachment and requiring solid blocking and strapping for proper bracing of the floor assembly.
- Structural steel studs can serve as an effective alternative to structural steel beams and columns for framing load-bearing walls, supporting walls and posts in load-bearing constructions. Clark Dietrich manufactures the Heavy-Duty Stud (HDS), designed with superior strength for load-bearing buildings.
Adhering to Guidelines
Adherence to guidelines is crucial for any construction project, from DIY at home to large-scale commercial endeavors. While there might be some flexibility in choosing wood studs for private home remodeling, adhering to building codes becomes of utmost importance in commercial projects involving cold-formed steel.
While this guide detailing studs by flange size helps in distinguishing suitable structural studs, the ultimate decision should be guided by your local building code, the project engineer, and the architect. It’s important to cross-reference the project plans and specifications to ensure compliance with specific requirements. Areas subject to different levels of seismic activity and wind loads may demand varying minimum flange widths for support and strength.
For comprehensive information and compliance, the Steel Stud Manufacturer’s Association (SSMA) provides technical guides ensuring adherence to commercial building codes and proper ASTM standards.
Why Choose Steel Over Wood
While commercial codes might mandate the use of steel studs, they offer multiple advantages across various applications. Steel is a more sustainable building material compared to wood and often proves to be cost-effective.
Steel offers the requisite flexibility and strength to endure diverse conditions. Stackable and pre-drilled with holes for plumbing and electrical installations, steel studs are advantageous. For instance, EQ studs reduce drywall nail pops by securely fastening drywall with screws.
Structural steel studs present a wide array of uses and benefits, contributing to reduced waste and increased strength in construction.
Steel Studs Vs. Wood Studs: Which is the Better Choice?
Wall studs are fundamental elements in building construction, supporting various structural components and shaping the building’s structure.
Wall studs, whether wood or steel, provide essential framing elements perpendicular to interior walls, accommodating pipes, wires, and insulation. They form load-bearing walls and support the roof and various building components.
Understanding the difference between steel studs and wood studs, their respective uses in construction, and weighing their advantages and disadvantages is crucial.
Steel Studs Vs Wood Studs – The Basics
Both wood and steel studs are crucial elements in framing interior walls. They are placed between horizontal members, serving as essential components for creating load-bearing walls.
Two main types of studs, wood and steel, are available for framing interior walls. Traditionally, steel studs were less common in residential buildings but predominant in commercial structures.
Benefits of Steel Studs
Steel stud framing members are found in standard sizes ranging from 2 ½” to 14”. Non-load bearing steel studs, made from 20 and 25-gauge steel, offer durability, fire resistance, and protection against rot and termite infestation.
Due to their installation with screws, they provide a stable connection, enabling better resilience against natural calamities like tornadoes and earthquakes.
Further benefits include:
- Uniform quality and resistance to warping, rot, and splitting
- Lightweight material compared to wood
- Long-lasting and cost-effective in the long run
- Easy fastening in specially designed tracks
Benefits of Wood Studs
Traditional wood studs come in various sizes and can be cost-effective compared to steel studs. They are available at most building supply stores, typically made from spruce or Douglas fir.
Key advantages of wood studs include:
- Strength, available in numerous sizes and a renewable resource
- Potentially more affordable depending on lumber prices
- Slightly easier to work with and install
- Arguably easier for hanging drywall due to easier nail or screw installation
However, the susceptibility of wood to environmental factors like humidity and moisture may lead to rot and affect the choice of stud material in certain climates.
Deciding Between Wood and Steel Studs
Choosing between wood and metal studs depends on various factors influencing the specific construction project. Understanding the drawbacks of each material can help in making an informed decision.
Wood Stud Cons
One significant drawback of using wood studs is the waste factor during sorting and installation, potentially leading to as much as 20% waste. Other disadvantages include:
- Vulnerability to termites, mold, and environmental damage
- High susceptibility to rot, warp, and cracking
- Dependency on numerous tools for installation
- Fluctuating wood prices
Steel Stud Cons
Steel studs are appreciated for their durability and lightweight construction. However, they have their own set of drawbacks:
- Difficulty in cutting and screwing
- Thermal bridging properties conduct heat and may require additional thermal barriers
- Conductivity leading to possible heat loss
- Less strength in some cases compared to wood studs
- Risk of condensation, rusting, and safety hazards due to sharp edges
- Interference with wireless signals
- Longer lifespan compared to wood due to material differences
tag: # Structural Steel Studs and Wood Studs for Drywall
For further information on drywall and framing, other resources are available:
What You Need To Know About Ballistic Drywall
Sheetrock Vs Drywall: The Guide To Gypsum Panels
Green Board: The Basics Of Water-Resistant Drywall
Basics Of Sheetrock Screws And Drywall Screws
Additional Resources –
The Unified Voice of Steel Framing Manufacturers –SSMA
Steel Framing Industry Association –SFIA
The Standard Specification for Installation of Steel Framing Members – ASTM.org
Quality Advantage Meets the Highest Standards – Marino Ware
