Drywall Metal Studs (25 gauge to 20 gauge)

Drywall Metal Studs, ranging in material thickness from 27 mils to 15 mils, are highly useful for interior framing, ideal for non-load bearing partition walls and drop ceilings. Their versatility extends across residential and commercial projects, from basement framing to high-rise construction. Offering superior dimensional stability compared to wood, these studs provide consistent, uniform walls, simplifying installation and reducing construction time. Pre-punched holes help streamline utility integration, and fire resistance provides an essential safety advantage, helping to meet stringent building codes.

Drywall Metal Studs, ranging in material thickness from 27 mils to 15 mils, are highly useful for interior framing, ideal for non-load bearing partition walls and drop ceilings. Their versatility extends across residential and commercial projects, from basement framing to high-rise construction. Offering superior dimensional stability compared to wood, these studs provide consistent, uniform walls, simplifying installation and reducing construction time. Pre-punched holes help streamline utility integration, and fire resistance provides an essential safety advantage, helping to meet stringent building codes.

Complete Studs offered

Deep Leg Structural Track (2.5″ flange or deeper)

Deep leg structural track, featuring flanges of 2 inches or longer, performs several critical functions in Cold Formed Steel framing. Primary applications include creating concrete pour stops, where the extended flange acts as an effective edge form for concrete slabs, and in facilitating deflection for head-of-wall systems. In deflection scenarios, particularly in curtain wall applications, the deep leg track provides ample space for vertical stud movement, preventing axial load transfer and potential damage to finishes or wall systems. Additionally, the deeper leg helps to accommodate construction tolerances and minor variations in wall assembly height.

Ultra Heavy Gauge Studs (12 & 10 gauge)

At FSFTM we also roll-form heavier gauge material in the form of 10 and 12-gauge studs. These studs are workhorses of cold formed steel construction, engineered for high-load applications. Primarily used as joists and in lower load-bearing walls of multi-story light-gauge steel buildings, these studs offer exceptional strength and span capabilities. Their robust construction supports significant vertical loads, important for maintaining structural integrity in multi-level projects. Proper spacing, determined by load requirements and span, ensures optimal performance, while specialized joist hangers and support clips provide secure connections to girders and walls.

Designing with these heavy gauge studs demands a comprehensive understanding of both axial and lateral loads. Robust connection methods, including larger self-drilling screws or welding, are often necessary to handle the substantial forces involved. Specialized clips and connectors may also be required for high-load applications. Due to their critical role in structural stability, careful consideration of connection details is highly important, ensuring the overall integrity and safety of the building. Check out our online clips and accessories store for high performance clips designed specifically for cold formed steel framing systems.

Z-Furring

Z-furring is a specialized metal framing component designed to create a flat, even surface over concrete or CMU construction. Its unique Z-shaped profile effectively bridges gaps and inconsistencies, providing a solid fastening surface for drywall or other finishes. By creating a cavity between the furring and the substrate, Z-furring also creates a void that accommodates insulation and provides space for running electrical wiring.

Furring / Hat Channel

Furring channel, also known as hat channel, is a versatile metal framing component used extensively in construction. The primary function is to create level surfaces on uneven walls and ceilings, particularly when working with masonry or concrete. By providing a flat and even surface, furring channels facilitate the easy attachment of finish materials like drywall or plaster, helpful in both residential and commercial projects. Additionally, these channels can support sheathing, siding, and decking, creating ventilation cavities in exterior wall assemblies that mitigate excessive moisture accumulation and prevent potential damage.

Structurally, furring channels play an important role in bracing trusses, providing lateral restraint. Whether leveling surfaces, supporting exterior cladding, or bracing structural elements, furring channels offer a reliable and adaptable framing solution.

Metal furring detail, end profile view.

Flat Strapping

Flat strapping is critical for enhancing the structural integrity of Cold Formed Steel wall assemblies. As a primary application, it is used to brace wind-resistant shear walls, where it’s often installed diagonally in an X-configuration to resist racking forces from wind and seismic loads. Proper tensioning of the straps is important for optimal performance.

Additionally, flat strapping provides horizontal bracing for wall studs, especially those deeper than 6 inches, preventing stud rotation and minor axis buckling. This horizontal application is often combined with solid blocking to further reinforce the wall structure. Whether bracing shear walls or providing horizontal support, flat strapping plays an important role in establishing stability. By resisting lateral forces and preventing stud deformation, it helps maintain straight, plumb walls capable of withstanding anticipated loads.

Strap X bracing, exterior view.

Metal Framing Accessories

Resilient channels such as RC-1 and RC-2 are specifically designed to enhance sound isolation in wall and ceiling assemblies by decoupling gypsum board from the framing. This decoupling minimizes vibration transfer, leading to improved Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings. RC-1 channels, with their single-leg design, are versatile for both wall and ceiling applications, typically offering a 3 to 7 point STC improvement when correctly installed. RC-2 channels, featuring a double-leg design, provide greater stability and are often preferred for ceiling applications, especially those with heavier finishes.

True Structural 20 Gauge Studs and Track

Structural 20 gauge studs and track offer a versatile solution for a wide range of framing applications, extending beyond standard drywall partitions. These are notably different than EQ 20 gauge studs used commonly in public applications. Unlike lighter gauges, these members are engineered for both load-bearing and non-load-bearing scenarios. When using structural 20 gauge members in load-bearing applications, careful consideration of all applicable loads, including axial and lateral forces, is critically important. Government and public work type buildings require true 20 ga studs (33 mils thickness) as per army core of engineer standards.

Construction professionals must adhere to engineering guidelines to determine safe spans and loading capacities. Proper bracing techniques and secure connection methods, such as self-drilling screws or welding, are essential for structural integrity. Proper design and installation effectively prevent buckling and ensure the overall stability of the structure under load.

Aerial view of a multistory construction project.

Slotted Deflection Track

Slotted Deflection Track, also known as slip track, is an important component for non-load bearing wall assemblies, designed to accommodate vertical deflection between the primary building structure and partition walls. The slots within the track allow wall studs to move freely, preventing the transfer of damaging axial (vertical) loads that could lead to buckling or structural damage. This feature is particularly critical in multi-story buildings, where live loads can cause significant structural movement. Proper installation, including precise screw placement and the creation of a deflection gap help make sure the track functions as intended, effectively protects the wall assembly. Read more about Slotted Deflection Track.

Interior view of a construction project with newly completed framing, utilizing various cold formed steel framing members.

Most Common Light-structural metal studs (18 gauge to 14 gauge)

Metal studs, ranging from 18 to 14 gauge, are designed for light duty structural applications, a primary example being exterior curtain wall systems. These studs provide robust support for various cladding materials, effectively bearing wind loads while maintaining the integrity of the building envelope. They are common in both commercial and industrial projects, offering reliable mounting support for exterior finishes. Note that exterior curtain wall systems do not carry the primary vertical loads of the building structure. These studs are also essential for constructing tall interior partitions (25 ft+) in large spaces like retail stores and factories, ensuring stability and minimizing deflection under the weight of finishing materials like drywall.

Detailed view of studs installed in deflection/slip track.

Complete Track Offering