Drywall Steel Studs

Drywall Steel Studs: What You Need To Know

Drywall steel studs, also known as metal framing studs, steel framing members, or metal wall studs, are a lightweight, durable, and versatile alternative to traditional wood framing. Paired with tracks, which provide horizontal support and alignment, these steel studs offer structural integrity and design flexibility for residential and commercial construction projects. Together, they form an essential framework for creating walls, ceilings, and partitions, with resistance to warping, termites, and moisture, making them a reliable choice for long-lasting construction.

The Difference Between Studs and Tracks:

Tracks are horizontal components that secure studs in place at the base and top of wall assemblies, ensuring alignment and stability for the entire structure. While studs provide vertical support and serve as the framework for attaching drywall, tracks act as guides to maintain precision and rigidity. Together, they form a reliable framing system for both load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls in residential and commercial construction.

Key Features:

• Lightweight and Strong: Engineered for ease of handling and installation, steel studs offer high strength-to-weight ratios, allowing for durable framing without adding unnecessary weight to the structure.
• Corrosion Resistance: Made from galvanized steel, these studs resist rust and corrosion, ensuring durability in both interior and exterior applications.
• Fire Resistance: Unlike wood framing, steel studs are non-combustible, providing an added layer of safety for projects in fire-sensitive environments. This makes them an ideal choice for projects such as commercial buildings, hospitals, or schools. Steel studs can maintain their structural integrity even under high temperatures, providing additional time for evacuation and reducing the risk of structural collapse during a fire.

Applications:

• Walls and Partitions: Steel studs create strong and straight walls, perfect for drywall installations in both residential and commercial settings.
• Ceilings: Lightweight steel framing provides strong, stable support for suspended ceilings, accommodating designs like drop ceilings and acoustical panels. It resists warping and sagging over time, ensuring durability and precision in residential and commercial spaces.
• Load-Bearing and Non-Load-Bearing Walls: Steel studs come in various gauges to meet structural and non-structural needs. Heavy-gauge studs support loads in multi-story buildings, while lighter gauges are perfect for interior partitions in homes, offices, and retail spaces.

Variants:

• C-Studs: Commonly used for non-load-bearing walls, these are perfect for interior partitions and lightweight framing projects.
• U-Channels (Tracks): Paired with C-studs, these tracks provide the base and top support for wall assemblies.
• Heavy-Duty Studs: Designed for load-bearing applications, heavy-duty studs offer enhanced strength for more demanding projects.
• Gauge Variations:
  • 20-gauge: Thicker and stronger, ideal for load-bearing walls and high-traffic applications.
  • 25-gauge and 30-gauge: Lighter and more suitable for interior partitions or non-load-bearing walls.
• Width (inches):
  • 1 5/8": Commonly used for standard interior framing.
  • 2 1/2": Offers additional stability for partitions and allows for easier routing of utilities.
  • 3 5/8": Best for projects requiring enhanced structural integrity or greater utility space.

Why Choose Supply Ontime?

At Supply Ontime, we deliver drywall across the Greater Los Angeles area. Whether you’re building a home, remodeling an office, or working on a large-scale commercial project, you can count on us for materials that get the job done right. Order drywall now and get it delivered today!