How Steel Studs Are Revolutionizing Home Decoration

Home Improvement

The Impact of Steel Studs on Home Decorating

Various types of drywall anchors can be used to hang lighter items on your walls.
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After watching home improvement shows, it may seem simple to install your own kitchen cabinets or mount your own plasma TV. Even hesitant DIYers are willing to hang a towel bar. However, tasks that are easy with wood studs become more challenging with steel framing.

Steel is denser than wood, so special equipment is required to drill through it. In addition, drilling through metal can create small sparks, increasing the risk of fire. Many contractors recommend avoiding drilling through steel studs altogether.

Fairly light objects can be anchored directly into drywall without drilling through the stud. There are many anchors made specifically for securing items in drywall. Winged plastic anchors are inexpensive and less likely to pull out than regular ribbed plastic anchors. Threaded drywall anchors are even stronger, with many boasting up to 50 pounds of holding power per anchor. For larger projects, such as attaching mirrors or shelving, strap toggle anchors are used, which can hold up to 80 pounds [source: DIYlife.com].

The disadvantage of using drywall anchors is that, regardless of their strength, drywall is a soft material. Front-heavy items, such as towel bars or shelving, tend to pull out over time. To hang items that require more support, it is necessary to drill through metal studs. Titanium or cobalt drill bits are the best options for boring through metal. Once you have drilled your pilot holes, a toggle bolt can be used to safely secure heavy objects to the metal stud. Alternatively, you could cut open the drywall, secure small sections of wood between the steel studs, and then attach very heavy objects to the wood.

Steel studs have many benefits over wooden framing, but decorating ease is not one of them. With the right tools, however, it is possible to hang pictures, mirrors, shelves, and even televisions on walls built with steel studs.

Related Articles

• Choose Steel Framing to Support Green Buildings
• Types of Drywall Screws Explained
• Why Steel Studs are More Popular than Wood?

More Links to Explore

• Usonian House by Frank Lloyd Wright
• Steel Framing Alliance – Promoting Sustainable Construction
• Discover the Benefits of Sustainable Steel Construction

Sources

• California Energy Commission Consumer Energy Center. “Steel and Steel Framing.” 2012. (June 8, 2012) http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/construction/steel.html
• Dunn, JD. “The History of Modular Homes.” ModularHomes.org. May 16, 2012. (June 8, 2012) http://www.modularhomes.org/history-modular-houses
• Lupton, Jeff. Personal Interview with Lupton Design+ Build. June 8, 2012.
• Provey, Joe. “Best Wall Anchors and How to Install Them.” DIYlife.com. Dec. 1, 2010. (June 8, 2012) http://www.diylife.com/2010/12/01/best-wall-anchors/
• Public Broadcasting Service. “Usonian House.” (June 8, 2012) http://www.pbs.org/flw/buildings/usonia/usonia.html
• Silva, Tom. “Hanging a Television.” This Old House. (June 8, 2012) http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/asktoh/question/0,,1061866,00.html
• Steel Framing Alliance. “Steel Framing Guide.” 2007. (June 8, 2012) http://www.steelframing.org/PDF/SFA_Framing_Guide_final%202.pdf
• Stuart, Arthur. “It’s Here—the All Steel House.” Popular Science Monthly. 1928. (June 8, 2012) http://books.google.com/books?id=tCcDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA33&dq=1930+plane+%22Popular&hl=en&ei=9X-STp–AoHy0gHH0PwW&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CFAQ6AEwCDgK#v=onepage&q&f=true

FAQ

1. What are steel studs?

Steel studs are thin metal frames used to construct interior walls in buildings. They are often used instead of traditional wooden studs because they are lightweight, easy to install, and provide a more durable and fire-resistant structure.

2. What are the advantages of using steel studs for interior walls?

Steel studs offer several advantages over traditional wooden studs. They are resistant to rot, mold, and pests, and they do not shrink or warp over time. They also provide a stronger and more stable structure, which can reduce the risk of cracks and other damage to the walls over time. Finally, steel studs are easier to install and can be cut to size on site, which can save time and labor costs.

3. How do steel studs affect the design of a room?

Steel studs can be used to create a variety of different wall designs and configurations. They can be used to create curved or angled walls, or to create walls with unusual shapes or openings. They can also be used to create walls that are thinner or thicker than traditional walls, which can affect the overall look and feel of a room. Finally, steel studs can be used to create walls that are more soundproof or fire-resistant than traditional walls, which can be an important consideration in certain settings.

4. What are some popular ways to decorate with steel studs?

There are many ways to incorporate steel studs into a room’s design. Some popular options include using steel studs to create accent walls or to frame art or other decorative elements. Steel studs can also be painted or covered with wallpaper or other materials to create a unique look. Finally, steel studs can be used to create built-in shelving or other storage solutions, which can help to maximize space and create a streamlined look.

5. Are steel studs more expensive than traditional wooden studs?

While the cost of steel studs can vary depending on the size and configuration of the wall, they are generally more expensive than traditional wooden studs. However, the increased durability, stability, and fire resistance of steel studs can make them a worthwhile investment in certain settings, such as commercial buildings or areas with high fire risk.

6. Can steel studs be used in outdoor construction?

While steel studs are primarily used for interior walls, they can also be used in certain outdoor construction applications. For example, they can be used to frame exterior walls in areas with high wind or seismic activity, or to create durable and fire-resistant outdoor structures such as sheds or garages.

7. How do steel studs compare to other types of metal framing systems?

While steel studs are one of the most popular types of metal framing systems, there are other options available as well. For example, aluminum framing systems are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, while cold-formed steel framing systems are strong and durable. The choice of framing system will depend on the specific needs of the project, as well as the budget and other factors.

8. Are there any downsides to using steel studs for interior walls?

While steel studs offer many benefits, there are also some potential downsides to consider. For example, they can be more difficult to work with than traditional wooden studs, and may require specialized tools and training. Additionally, steel studs may not be suitable for all types of wall finishes or decorative elements. Finally, steel studs may not be as environmentally friendly as traditional wooden studs, as they require more energy to produce and transport.

9. How can I find a contractor who specializes in using steel studs?

If you are interested in using steel studs for your next construction project, it’s important to find a contractor who has experience working with this material. You can start by asking for recommendations from friends or colleagues, or by searching online for contractors in your area. Be sure to ask about the contractor’s experience with steel studs, as well as their references and portfolio of past projects.

10. Are there any special considerations to keep in mind when working with steel studs?

When working with steel studs, it’s important to follow proper safety procedures, as they can be sharp and difficult to handle. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the studs are properly grounded to prevent electrical shocks. Finally, it’s important to choose the right type of steel studs for your project, as there are many different sizes and configurations to choose from.