Studs are used in constructions to provide the initial framing which will support the walls, ceiling and upper floors of a building. Since they have been traditionally built with wood, it is normal for many landowners who are building a new house or other building, or for homeowners doing reparations to automatically settle on wooden studs. However, it should be noted that wooden studs were common in older homes – nowadays, metal studs are the more common and appropriate reason.
Nevertheless, there are certain people who decide to stick with wooden studs even then – the reasons are often the cost of the metal studs, as well as the problem of heat conduction it poses. Metal studs are the more expensive for steel scaffolding option between it and wooden studs, costing on average two to three times more. The problem of heat conduction, on the other hand, is because metals are good conductors of heat, and tend to either conduct warmth to the outside during winter, or conduct warmth inside during summer.
It should be noted however, that in the long term sense, metal studs are more of an economical option than wooden studs are; and in the issue of heat conduction can be easily avoided if proper barriers are applied to the studs. Thus, metal studs are the better option which you ought to consider when buying studs for the framing. Additionally, metal studs pose other advantages such as:
- Convenience – metal studs naturally weigh less than wooden studs, and are thus much easier to transport and install. The installation process is further made easier by the fact that unlike wooden studs, metal studs are joined by screws, and can be easily adjusted in the case of mistakes.
- Strength – the use of metals in framing, such as core trays are lightweight, durable and weatherproof, is better than using wooden studs for the very simply reason of strength. They are much more stronger and durable than wooden studs, and are ideal for constructions in locations with seismic activity.
- Safety – just as the use of metals and alloys has gradually replaced the use of wood in ceiling battens due to their relative safety as they are not inflammable or prone to decay by pests. Metal studs cannot be decayed even in houses infested with termites or carpenter ants, and a metal framing is quite literally fireproof.
Stability – wooden studs are prone to warping and decaying as a result of wicking moisture. Both of these disadvantages are absent in metal studs, and its only drawback in stability is that of rusting, which can be easily avoided by the use of proper protection.