Metal stud wall - worthwhile?

esquilax

I'm about to build a small partition wall upstairs which will form a side wall of a shower cubicle, 1200x2400 on a frame anchored to the floor and back wall (not the ceiling, which is a good bit higher).

Because it has to be strong and perfectly square, rather than building a timber frame I'm looking into the possibility of doing it in metal instead.

I know metal stud walls are relatively common in commercial buildings but I've never built one myself and have no idea if the fixtures are readily available and worthwhile for something of this size.

TIA for any advice.

Sir Arthur Daley

A metal stud wall in what you want to do wont be as strong as you think.

jack of all

Those metal stud partitions are very flimsy and rely completely on the plasterboard lining for strength,if you want to hang anything off them or stiffen them up etc you have to build in plywood panels and stitch them in with screws. For what you need I would suggest timber. If you are worried about getting it perfectly square you could use planed timber or just be careful when picking out your lengths of rough sawn at the yard. If you want strength and accuracy use a bit of basic joinery in the construction (housing joints at the corners,glued and screwed- like a door frame) and you get a strong frame.

Mellor

esquilax wrote: »

Because it has to be strong and perfectly square, rather than building a timber frame I'm looking into the possibility of doing it in metal instead.

Metal studs are no stronger or easier to place square than timber studs. Perhaps even less so.

dodzy

As others have said, forget the metal, as it's flimsy. Only reason it's used (in mostly commercial and large builds) , is the price. Go with wood.

esquilax

I'll get out the mitre saw then, thanks everybody.

PaulieBoy

dodzy wrote: »

Only reason it's used (in mostly commercial and large builds) , is the price

Fire risistance.

Mellor

PaulieBoy wrote: »

Fire risistance.

Metal studs have the same fire rating as timber studs. It's the plaster board that provides fire resistance.