Plans for finishing the basement...wood or metal studs?

[FINFAN]

DH is planning on using the steel/metal studs...says they are straighter and will be less frustrating than wood in the long run..just prefers them, but wanted to know if others have gone this route and liked it or had any pointers for us.

Thanks,


Pam

 

[pjlla]

We built our church with metal studs for cost reasons... and may I tell you, what a royal pain in the butt!! I would NEVER use metal studs for anything at my house. Hanging drywall is a NIGHTMARE!! You need a VERY heavy duty drill to drive the screws into the metal studs. I would suggest he rethink this plan.............P

 

[msdznyduck]

Ask over at www.doityourself.com. THey have lots of knowledgable people over there.

 

[jipsy]

You did not say if he was doing the work himself or hiring a professional. Metal studs are much better in the long run, but are usually used in commercial construction, not residential. If you choose to use metal studs and are going the route of the do-it-yourselfer, you will have a much easier time of cutting them and setting them in along with putting in drywall using commercial tools. A good chopsaw and chopsaw blade designed for cutting drywall track will be in order. As far as screwguns, the cheap, homeowner type screwguns from Home Depot and the like won't cut it, neither will the homeowner type screws they sell. You'll need to spend more on good, quality screwguns and screws. If your basement is concrete (I assume) you'll want a powder actuated tool to set the metal studs into the floor. You'll also need a good tape measure and chalk line tool, or a laser. Again, don't go with homeowner type tools, get good, quality commercial type tools.

That being said, can you tell I sell construction tools and my boyfriend is a carpenter? We will be doing an addition to our new house and will definitely use metal studs. Any questions, PM me.

 

[FINFAN]

Yes, he is doing the work himself and did plan on the professional tool$$$$$$$$$ I will let him know the frustration end. He is an engineer so the part of being exact and meticulous is the norm for him...to a fault even! Going to check do it yourself site....
Thanks all!


Pam