The steel stud has been preferred in the commercial, high-rise and residential construction industry for its ease in creating partition walls. It is also light weight and great for creating the framework for valances, ceilings as well as wall motifs. Metal framing studs also give you consistent sizing.

Other benefits of steel studs include that they don't warp, they don't split, they are lighter than wood, they are perfectly straight, they won't rot, they are flame retardant, they are insect proof, and they are economic. Also, installation and taking apart is quicker than wood, and shrinkage is not an issue. Whether you are going for a stainless steel stud, a metal stud or a steel stud, you should be familiar with product basics such as steel stud prices, steel stud sizes, steel stud gauge and steel stud framing, etc.

To find out more about steel stud education and training:

1. Begin with metal stud basics.

2. Follow steel stud installation tips and instructions.

3. Find other guides and resources on steel studs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start with metal stud basics

Find out the basics of metal stud construction including the pros and cons and step by step instructions.

I recommend: Find out the basics in using steel and metal studs from Renovation Headquarters. They list pros and cons, installation tips and step-by-step instructions. One Project Closer also gives step by step instructions as well as other helpful tips such as tools needed for your project. The photos provided are especially helpful.

Learn about installation of the steel stud

Find out how to install steel stud or metal framing studs by watching expert videos or following along to written word or diagramatic instructions.

I recommend: Learn from the Bob Villa archives how to install steel-stud framing. Watch the video and take advantage of the additional script text as well. The American Door Co of Maryland gives diagramatic instructions on installation of a hollow metal frame with steel stud construction.

Find other metal stud guides and resources

Take advantage of other resources on metal framing studs. Many trade organizations produce documents for internal or public use.

I recommend: In a document prepared for the American Iron and Steel Institute, ToolBase Services provides a Builders' Steel Stud Guide. The guide details information for cold-formed steel stud construction as well as for exterior load-bearing walls and interior non-load-bearing walls. Take advantages of the technical library resources available from the Steel Stud Manufacturers Association (SSMA). Their documents include design information on metal stud products from companies within their membership.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Technical and industry steel stud education and training questions can be directed to trade organizations. They can generally point you in the right direction if they can't provide you an immediate answer.

Metal framing studs are an inexpensive and durable construction technology that helps make framing quicker and easier for any builder. Stainless steel stud framing and construction is not only cost effective and energy efficient, but it also opens up a wider range of construction possibilities.

Using metal stud framing allows builders to engage innovative design techniques with curved and custom steel studs. Steel stud framing also is compatible with a number of different insulation and drywall techniques that allow builders to install higher quality frames and walls more easily.

When considering stainless steel stud framing options, do the following:

1. Shop for metal framing studs from steel manufacturers;

2. Browse finishing options for metal stud framing projects;

3. Use metal paneling for the lowest steel stud prices.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Browse steel stud options from metal manufacturers

One good source for metal stud framing solutions is metal manufacturers. Manufacturers of steel and other metals offer a wide range of products, from frames and studs to plates and custom projects. Steel manufacturing companies can serve you whether you're looking for basic metal stud suppliers or innovative building solutions.

I recommend: SCAFCO sells a complete range of steel framing solutions, including slotted tracks, curved and angle bars, metal framing studs and steel clips. Peerless Steel specializes in metal and alloy manufacturing and produces a range of plates and bars, as well as custom projects.

Incorporate metal framing studs into complete construction solutions

Metal stud framing has become increasingly popular because of the number of building options metal studs enable. You can use metal studs and frames for building interiors and exteriors, while wall construction products used in conjunction with metal stud framing offer features such as easy installation and insulation for efficient energy use.

I recommend: Dietrich Metal Framing sells steel stud frames for exterior, interior and drywall finishing, with a number of compatible drywall options. Dow Building Solutions offers steel stud building information sheets for different steel stud sizes and wall products to accommodate various building needs.

Get the best value steel stud prices with metal paneling

Paneled steel stud framing incorporates not only metal framing, but entire wall solutions. Flexible options with metal paneling allow builders to create their own custom projects with standard panel components. Metal paneling and prefabricated metal construction options enable easy building options without compromising features such as insulation and design.

I recommend: ThermaSteel manufactures pre-insulated steel stud framing and floor or wall panels, which you can browse and buy as a home buyer, architect or commercial builder. SteelMax produces a more standard metal panel option for builders who are looking for quick, inexpensive materials, and allows customers to price their building projects online.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When buying metal framing studs, consider ahead of time what type of wall construction you will be using with the steel stud frame. The type of wall installed with the frames can dictate what type of frame you buy, or whether you install just a steel stud frame or an entire panel system.

Although wood has been the standard for years in construction, steel studs have gained popularity because various qualities make steel stud construction attractive. A stainless steel stud doesn’t warp the way unseasoned wood does, nor does it split or shrink. Also, it is unaffected by insects, rot or fire. In addition, a metal stud of aluminum can be lighter than wood.

For the business owner contemplating a do-it-yourself project with metal studs, local home improvement stores may carry a steel stud supply in predetermined lengths, or special lengths for door or window frames that cost less than $7. For major construction jobs, however, contractors must send a submittal with specs to metal stud manufacturers to determine steel stud pricing and costs. Consider the following options for steel and metal studs for your project:

1. Contact home improvement stores for prices on metal studs for small projects.

2. Get special-order stud prices for framing of doors and windows.

3. Submit a request to metal stud suppliers or manufacturers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Seek prices on metal studs from home improvement stores

If the project is a small one that can be handled in-house, you may wish to contact a home improvement store for prices. Expect standard sizes in metal studs like those for wooden ones. Be aware that many metal studs cannot be used in load-bearing situations, such as supporting a roof. In addition, for drywall metal stud, you'll need fine-thread drywall screws.

I recommend: Lowe's sells load-bearing metal stud and steel stud; gauge which size will work for your project. Prices vary by location, and not all Lowe's stores carry these. The fastenMSC.com site sells fine thread drywall screws designed for use in metal studs; you can buy 5-pound packages and bulk packages. At fastenMSC.com, you can buy a 5-pound package of screws from 1¼ inches to 3 inches for less than $15. McFeely’s sells various sizes of fine-thread drywall screws for steel studs, ranging from 1 inch to 3½ inches, in boxes containing 100 or 1,000; prices range from less than $12 for 1,000 1-inch screws to about $265 for 3½-inch bugle head screws.

Seek prices on metal framing studs for doors and windows

Your construction project likely will include doors or windows. For the framework surrounding them, you can purchase premade steel frames or you can order parts for the construction project. By ordering, you can be sure the channel and sides fit the window or door you have purchased.

I recommend: Speedy Metals sells metal framing studs for construction of window and door frames; sizes of studs vary from ¾ inch for the channel to 2½ inches. A 24-inch length costs less than $7, with longer lengths costing more. The Backyard Store Company carries an overstock of construction materials, including steel studs and steel frames for doors of 16 gauge steel; the door frames go along with the doors, which range in price from $175 to $350.

Send a submittal form to a manufacturer on your steed stud requirements

On complex construction projects, one-size-fits-all won't do for steel or metal studs. Manufacturers will produce to your specifications, but you must provide the details. To manufacture the studs in the correct gauge, the manufacturer must know details such as stud spacing, wall height, deflection limitations and the lateral load.

I recommend: Submit a request to the Steel Network for its steel stud prices on its proprietary PrimeWall Stud, a drywall metal stud; click on the simple submittal builder tab. SCAFCO manufactures a jamb stud for load-bearing jambs, headers and trusses. Also click on the submittal tab on this page.