Benefits of Metal Studs –Reasons for Choosing Steel over Wood

When it comes to building structures, it is preferable to consider using metal studs in place of
wooden studs for non-load bearing walls. Research shows that more than 50% of structures are built
with metal studs made from cold-formed sheets.

However, metal studs conduct cold, but builders prefer using metal studs in place of woods for the
following reasons.

1. Metal studs are lighter than wooden studs and convenient to work.

Metal studs are lighter in weight than wooden studs because of their hollow shape which makes
them less bulky than wooden studs in terms of transportation and storage.

When cutting metal studs using aviation snips, there are no sawdusts, unlike cutting through
wooden studs. But it is advisable to protect your hands from sharp ends using gloves.

2. Metal studs are easier to handle

In terms of installation, metal studs weigh far less than wooden studs and are held in place with
screws. Therefore, it easy to correct mistakes made during installation with metal studs.

3. Metal studs are less prone to nature attacks

Metal studs are not inclined to stresses and uneven shrinkage, unlike wooden studs which are
susceptible to such factors with time. Also, metal studs are resistant to mold and rot, which are
common wooden infections. Although metal studs rust with time, this is preventable by installing a
vapor barrier on the concrete floor.

4. Metal studs have a higher tensile strength than wooden studs

Metal studs have a higher tensile strength and flexibility than wooden studs. Therefore, they are
preferred for construction in the wind prone areas and seismic zones like the Gulf Coast states of the
USA.

5. Metal studs are resistant to fire and insect attacks

Metal studs are not prone to insect attacks like carpenter ants and termites, which can cause grave
damages to wooden studs. Also, in terms of fire outbreaks, metal studs are fire resistant and do not
burn in the case of a fire outbreak, unlike wooden studs.

6. Metal studs have a higher cost advantage

Wooden studs cost 15% lesser than metal studs, but metal studs offer cost advantages in other
areas. E.g., warranty call-backs in the sales of metal studs are much reduced because metal studs are
not susceptible to shrinkage, and additional stress-related factors.

Buildings built with metal studs do not have cracks or nail pops to fix after completion. Therefore,
scraps are significantly reduced. Up to 20% wastage is recorded when wooden studs are used in
construction. Hence the cost of disposing of discarded materials is decreased considerably.

7. Higher insurance discounts

Owners of buildings built with metal studs enjoy a higher insurance discount due to lower risk
factors. Unlike buildings built with wooden studs, which attracts a higher insurance premium
because of their higher susceptibility to fire and other environmental factors.
Conclusion

Metal studs are preferable for buildings because they are environmentally friendly compared with
wooden studs. They can be recycled and are readily available in similar wooden dimensions.