We have heard all sorts of stories through the years of the benefits in framing with steel compared to wood studs. Once I even read you could construct a whole house with the amount of reused metal from a large vehicle such as a Cadillac. I find this hard to believe unless you happen to be building a really small home.

My personal favorite for framing with steel studs is they are incredibly straight. I have built non bearing partition walls using 12 ft . 3 1/2 in . wide steel studs and following the drywall it is possible to put an eight ft . level to measure it for straightness on the walls with awesome results.

If you use 3 1/2 in . wide steel studs along with 5/8 inch drywall you’re going to get an incredibly sturdy and durable wall. Framing with steel studs is normal in office renovations or remodeling. Most of the steel stud framing is performed via the drywall contractors.

Metal studs and termites don’t mix. You’ll never have to worry about these kinds of little buggers or other un-invited house insects damaging your walls.

Over time I have heard reports that steel framed buildings are earthquake and fire proof. They could be much more immune to fire than wood however remember when metal is hot enough it’ll bend and twist which makes it useless.

Whenever I hear folks talking about a fire resistant building constructed with steel framing components my very first thought is all of the many other materials used in building the house that aren’t fire proof. Do not get a false illusion when purchasing a building framed with metal studs and think it is 100% fire proof.

As far as steel framed houses being earth-quake proof that is another story. I really cannot comment too much on earthquake damage to a steel building. The problem with earthquakes is they apparently create fires. So even if your building can survive an earth quake it could get damaged by a fire in the area.

I’ve framed more wood homes than steel homes over the years and my steel stud construction is restricted to nonbearing partition walls generally found in office buildings. I really like framing with metal due to the lightweight as well as ease of construction.

I still enjoy framing with solid wood. There is something about what framing which i have always loved and continually will.

Matthiew Kurgen is a professional writer and an expert on metal studs and related topics.