I am finishing my basement with metal studs. I am going to frame a couple of closets and doors. Is the best way to strengthen the stud for the door jamb to place a 2×4 behind the stud? Do I need to do anything for the header? Thanks.
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Make your opening with metal 3 inches wider and 1-1/2 inches taller than the rough opening. Turn the "U" of the metal stud on each side towards the wall. Screw through the "U" of the metal into a 2x4 holding it in place. Screw through your track down into a 2x4 at the head. You are lining the inside of the opening with 2x4's. This may show it clearer. The wood is for nailing, the metal will provide enough rigidity. You could, if you find 3-1/2" metal studs and track (these are 3-5/8's) use only wood for your opening, substituting the metal stud in the track. Mike Guertin I think mentioned in a basement finishing thread not long ago about using metal track and wood studs. You get the simplicity and universal framing of the track and the wood you're used to for nailing.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Edited 8/6/2003 11:15:21 PM ET by calvin
Edited 8/7/2003 6:34:53 AM ET by calvin
I frame them the same way you do, but substitute 24 or 22 ga. for the metal king studs I attach the 2x4 too. If I can't get the heavey guage studs, I run the 2x all the way to the top track. Either way seems to stiffen the wall a little more at the door opening and reduce the chance of cracking a nearby joint in the dw if the door is slammed.
Dave
Dave, good comment on the stiffening of the wall. I often use the u-shaped steel in the slots to reinforce the wall laterally. With that I almost get the same "good closing" sound on the doors. Imagine building these walls in Colorado with the rising basement floor. I don't know if the deep "slip joint" track offered would even do the job.
Andy, I've never done the track and wood stud method. I have to agree, the further I get from commercial work, the more I can see the beauty of a wood stud wall. Still, the lack of wood in that subterranean environment let's me sleep a little better.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
What I've always done and mentioned it here often is to use metal for my top and bottom plates and wood studs placed in them. The job goes extremely quick that way not having to worry about each stud being the "exact" right length and millions of nails.
It always seemed I was using a lot of useless energy with all metal when it came to all the trim work or wanting to nail something into a stud later down the line.
Wood studs just feel better (solid) to me as well.
Be a stud
Namaste'
andy
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