Replies

1. 
   andyfew322 | Feb 25, 2008 03:38am | #1

   I don't know, but in my basement we have wood studs for the perimeter wals and around the stairs, and for deviding/non-structural walls we have metal studs

    

   Ductape can fix EVERYTHING!!!

2. 
   plumbbill | Feb 25, 2008 05:37am | #2

   If it's not load bearing I prefer metal studs anywhere & everywhere, but I do commercial work so metal studs are second nature to me.

   The best thing is you never have to look for the "crown".

   “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” —Albert Einstein
   

3. 
   Billy | Feb 25, 2008 05:50am | #3

   Metal studs are great in a basement.  The 1 5/8" wide 20 gauge studs are nice for the perimeter.  Use an insulation break such as XPS foam under the bottom plate/track so your studs don't stay at the same temperature as the slab.

   Billy

   
   

   ---

   Edited 2/24/2008 9:50 pm ET by Billy

1. 
   ponytl | Feb 25, 2008 06:52am | #5

   on metal....i always run a wood 2x plate first... then the bottom track... i've just always liked have'n something to nail trim to...  not the fastest or i'm sure the best way... just what i've always done...

   p

4. 
   Biff_Loman | Feb 25, 2008 06:18am | #4

   See, here's where I'd vote for wood just because I'm familiar with wood, and not metal.

   Easy to cut - and I don't just mean to length. You can rip it, bevel it for a 45* corner, easily notch it, and so on. You can hang heavy stuff off it. You can shoot brads into it. None of those little rubber grommets for wires. Normal electrical boxes that you can attach with nails or screws (just my preference).

   One interesting thing you can do is combine metal track and wooden studs, to split the difference. I haven't tried that, but a FHB article mentioned it. Given limited space in a basement, the metal track can absorb small variations in stud length due to unevenness in the slab, etc. You can cut all your studs to the same length, set your track, and attach one stud at a time without measuring and cutting each one.

5. 
   JeffBuck | Feb 25, 2008 06:54am | #6

   I prefer mostly steel with wood base plates and nailers ... such as around doors and windows.

   Jeff

    

       Buck Construction

    Artistry In Carpentry

        Pittsburgh Pa

1. 
   Billy | Feb 25, 2008 07:20am | #7

   It's good to have something to nail to and I should have mentioned that.  A little bit of XPS foam helps with the insulation aspect as insurance against ghosting on the studs, and it keeps the ACQ wood away from the galvanized steel.  I've used Trex for bottom plates under the steel track too.

   Billy

2. 
   loucarabasi | Feb 25, 2008 01:09pm | #8

   Jeff, we worked both wood and metal into the mix. I was just thinking to myself "maybe we should try wood this time" See how it goes. I think we'll just use 20g.

   -Lou

6. 
   cliffy | Feb 25, 2008 05:42pm | #9

   Metal are still better for all the same reasons.

   Galvanized, not affected by moisture

   Absolutely straight.

   Termite proof

   Insect proof

   Inexpensive

   Easy to use

   100% recyclable

   can be done without electricity

   can be cut while on a ladder

   You can use 1" drywall screws (2000 more per box)

   If I keep going I'll be here all day

   Have a good day

   Cliffy

1. FHB Editor
   JFink | Feb 25, 2008 06:36pm | #10

   Well, if nobody else will, I'll throw in a vote for wood. Here's why:

   - wood will absorb some moisture, which is a good thing. Metal studs don't absorb any water, so when the moisture content in the air is high, and the metal studs are colder than the air, you've got liquid in your walls. Liquid water is very, very hard to get out of a closed wall. Wood studs will absorb that moisture from the air and then release it again without the moisture ever becoming "liquid" - water vapor is much easier to pass through walls (as long as there's no vapor barrier and a good HVAC setup).

   here's some more good info to help you on your way: http://www.buildingscience.com/documents/digests/bsd-103-understanding-basements/?topic=/systemsapproach/buildingenclosure/foundationassembly/main_topic

    Justin Fink - FHB Editorial