Wood strapping or metal studs screwed to side of ceiling joists????
Pete073
| Posted in General Discussion on
Hello,
I am having a difficult time deciding which material to use in order to make ceilings flat and leveled.
The ceilings have 2×6 lumber but are not leveled, should I use wood 1×4 shimmed, or use metal studs leveled and screwed into the joists. Not sure what is acceptable with building code also metal seems flimsy, I would like lose minimal ceiling height.
What do you all suggest??? Thank you!
Replies
Hi, whilst being a framer I would say you have pros and cons with both methods. Steel being straight, light and cheap. Timber can be manipulated to be straight, it’s sustainable and shims are not particularly expensive.
I’ve personally done both methods over the years, if you’re wanting to save height use shims would be my recommended method. Run string lines and straight edges ( I don’t know if you have a laser level best option if you do) if the house is particularly old I would take into account windows and fixed furniture etc to look right with the rest of the walls/ceiling
Metal studs on sides of joists will take up less space.
https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2020/01/20/using-metal-studs-to-level-a-sloping-ceiling
If you choose this method, place the studs in the joist bays first, hanging up and out of the way on a couple of tacked in nails. Once the alignment strings are in place, lower the studs into alignment, clamp in place, then drive the screws.
The only code considerations are meeting minimal head height requirements and possibly needing to add fire stopping. Both metal or wood will work fine. It’s personal preference as to what you feel is easiest for you to install. Wood can often be easier for drywall attachment (but not much). If you have crown or any trim to be nailed at ceiling it might be good to have some wood there. If the ceiling isn’t flat due to joists being over span, you may consider sistering with full depth joist. No point in making it flat if existing structure is inadequate and will move again.
Drywall shims are thin cardboard strips about 1 1/2 in wide by 4' long they come in bundles. With a straight edge or string line you add as many as necessary to "low" spots to make the surface to be drywalled flat. You cut them to various lengths to make tapers. They will not make the ceiling any lower than the lowest spot now.
Thank you all for replying. I am going with the metal studs. I ordered a 360 laser level which I am still waiting for. I will post pics when complete. I appreciate all of you.
Friends, I'm about to undertake a similar project.
Does someone have a laser they like for this? Shall I position the laser 1" below the new joist height and use a spacer to position the new joists?
Ideally I'd just hang the joists deep and use a laser to cut through them in a perfectly level line! Maybe that model is not available yet.
I will be hanging crown so I may use wood around the edges of the room. Metal studs are appealing for their inherent straightness, but I've only used lumber in the past.
All recommendations welcome, and thanks, Pete for posting any recommendations.
KS
I bought a 360 Dewalt laser level. It has worked fine for what I am doing, cost me around 179.00. I bought it through amazon.