Understanding Steel Studs & Wood Studs

When it comes to remodeling or building a home, there are a lot of important factors to consider; one of these is which studs you choose to use. If you talk to anyone at DMS about studs or visit your local hardware store, you’ll find that there’s really only two types of studs to choose from: steel studs and wood studs. So, which of these studs is best to use for your house? In this article, we will go over the basics of both kinds of studs, as well as the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision based on your project specifications and needs.

Wood Studs

So, what’s the deal with wood studs and why are they popular? You might hear some construction workers say that metal studs are better to use for any project, there is still a high demand for wood studs in the building materials industry for all kinds of projects- this is because wood studs do have a lot of advantages, especially for a do-it-yourself handyman. Some benefits to using wooden studs include the following:

• Strength. Contrary to popular belief, wooden studs have actually been proven to be stronger and sturdier than metal studs, and they can support more weight.
• Easy to cut. Lumber is always easier and safer to cut than metal- all you need is saw! Metal is usually a one-time cut, meaning that once you cut it, it’s hard to change it again. With wood, you can easily shape it into whatever size you need however many times it takes to get it right.
• Size Variety. You’ll find that you have a lot more options when it comes to stud sizes when you’re looking at wooden studs versus metal studs. Having a good selection of stud sizes ensures that you get the perfect stud for your project.

Wooden studs are a reliable product that have many benefits. However, there’s a few things you should consider when trying to find which stud works best for you, your project, and your expertise level. For example, you need lots of tools to install wooden studs, which can make the installing process more difficult if you don’t have the necessary tools. Once you have all the tools and you know how to use them, installing the studs is a breeze. Another thing to consider when using wooden studs is the area you live in. Like any other wood product, water exposure and humidity can rot the studs, so be sure to factor climate into your decision. If your wood studs become worn, you can replace them at an affordable cost to keep your home looking as good as new.

Steel Studs

Now, let’s move onto steel studs. Steel studs are generally easy to find since they are used for used for basement walls and DIY temporary partition walls. As we mentioned before, steel studs are widely used in the building materials industry; that’s because using these types of studs is usually an affordable and simple choice. Some benefits to using metal studs over woods studs include:

• Durability. Steel studs are often a very attractive choice for builders because of their durability. Metal is fire resistant, and you won’t have to worry about the studs getting ruined by termites, rotting, or splitting like you do with wood studs.
• Affordability. If you’re on a budget or you don’t want to deal with maintenance fees, we recommend looking into steel studs. Steel studs cost less than wood studs, especially in the long run due to ongoing maintenance that you might have to keep up with for wood.
• Lightweight material. Many people do not know that metal studs are actually a lighter material than wood; this is because they are generally used with products that aren’t as heavy. This can also make the installing and maintenance process easier.

Steel studs are definitely a more affordable and long-lasting option when compared to wood studs. When you’re making a decision about whether or not you should use metal studs, keep in mind that they are a little more difficult to cut and screw than wood studs, especially when it comes to using drywall. As we discussed before, metal is more of a challenge to cut and it is more dangerous so be sure to use safety gloves when working with steel studs. Also, keep in mind that you’ll have to do your research to see what kinds of insulation you can use with metal studs because there are specific types of insulation that you’ll need in order to have a strong thermal barrier.

Contact DMS for an Expert Opinion Today

Now that we’ve covered the basics of wooden studs versus steel studs, it’s time to make your choice. Which kind of stud will you choose for your project? Remember that there is no wrong choice; there are clear advantages and disadvantages to both types. If you’re still not sure which stud you want to use, feel free to contact us to get an expert opinion. At DMS we are happy to talk with you to make sure that you get the right kind of stud so that you are satisfied with the outcome of your project. Happy stud hunting!