I found this 1995 article on FHB about a move to metal framing because of high lumber prices. Has anyone done this in 2020/2021 because of the current lumber prices?
https://www.finehomebuilding.com/1995/09/01/remodeling-with-metal-studs
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I did some walls with metal studs in my attic renovation. It was mainly because I got tired of dealing with corkscrew 2x lumber but the metal studs are a lot cheaper too. Pretty easy to work with, transport, and store as well. I invested in a good crimper to put everything together. Haven't tried putting up drywall over them yet. Not a pro.
I went back and forth on this very subject in my current basement remodel. In my area here in PA, a 2x4 at local box store goes for about $6.75 and a similar sized 25 gauge metal stud is $6.78. I have all the equipment to work with wood and I trust it’s holding strength for TVs and the like for hanging. But if the cost had been more of a swing I think I def would have jumped at metal studs atleast for exterior walls.
At my local construction supply place, not a box store, a bundle of 10 20-gauge 8 foot 2x3 metal studs is $25. A bundle of 10 10-foot track pieces is about the same price and you use a lot less of that.
Been using metal studs for the last 30 years.
Cheaper when bought in bundles of 10. They nest in pairs so they take up less room when stored or loaded in truck. Lighter. Easy to cut. No saw dust. No need to drill holes to pass electric cables.
Use wafer head screws to fasten to tracks.
Frankie