Drywall Metal Studs (25 gauge to 20 gauge)

Drywall Metal Studs for Interior Framing are a reliable and cost-effective solution, specifically designed for non-load bearing partition walls and drop ceilings. These steel studs are widely used in both residential construction projects and commercial buildings, including basement framing, office interiors, retail spaces, schools, hospitals, and high-rise developments.

Compared to traditional wood framing, metal drywall studs offer superior dimensional stability, ensuring straight, uniform walls that resist warping, shrinking, twisting, and termite damage. This results improved construction durability.

Pre-punched utility holes allow for quick and organized integration of electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC systems, streamlining the framing process. Additionally, the non-combustible nature of steel enhances fire resistance, helping contractors meet stringent local and national building codes.Whether you’re building residential interiors or large-scale commercial projects, drywall metal studs provide durability, precision, and long-term structural performance.

Complete Studs offered

Deep Leg Structural Track (2.5″ flange or deeper)

Deep Leg Structural Track (2.5″ flange or deeper) is a cold-formed steel U-shaped channel used in wall framing systems as the top and bottom track that holds vertical studs in place; what makes it different from standard tracks is its deeper flange, which provides a stronger grip and allows for better load distribution and controlled movement. It is used in construction to support heavy structural loads, improve wall stability, and accommodate building movement caused by factors like wind, floor deflection, or seismic activity, making it especially important in load-bearing walls, tall or multi-story structures, and high-performance building systems where strength, safety, and long-term durability are critical.

Ultra Heavy Gauge Studs (12 & 10 gauge)

Florida Steel Frame & Truss Manufacturing, manufactures 10 and 12 gauge heavy steel studs using a roll-forming process. These studs are used in cold formed steel construction and are specifically designed to handle high-load applications.

They are mainly used in joists (floor and roof support systems) and in the lower load-bearing walls of multi-story buildings. Their robust structure allows them to handle significant vertical loads, which is essential for maintaining the overall strength of a building.

For optimal performance, the spacing of the studs is determined based on load requirements . Joist hangers and support clips are used to securely connect them to girders and walls.

When designing with these heavy gauge studs, it is important to consider both axial loads (direct pressure) and lateral loads (side forces).

For connections:

● Larger self-drilling screws
● Or welding methods
are typically used to handle the high forces involved.

In high-load applications, specialized clips and connectors may also be required.Since these studs play a critical role in the structural stability of a building, their connections must be carefully designed to ensure overall safety and integrity.

Z-Furring

Z-furring is a specialized metal framing component used to create a flat and smooth surface over concrete or CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit) walls. Its Z-shaped profile helps cover uneven surfaces and gaps, providing a strong base where drywall or other finishing materials can be easily attached.

When Z-furring is installed, it creates a small gap between the wall and the furring. This cavity is useful because it allows space for insulation, improving thermal and sound performance. It also provides room to run electrical wiring easily without damaging the wall.

Furring / Hat Channel

A furring channel (also known as a hat channel) is a metal framing component widely used in construction. Its primary purpose is to create flat and level surfaces on uneven walls and ceilings, especially when working with masonry or concrete. It provides a smooth, even base that makes it easy to attach finishing materials like drywall or plaster in both residential and commercial projects.

In addition, furring channels support materials such as sheathing, siding, and decking. They also create a small cavity in exterior walls, which allows for ventilation, helps prevent moisture buildup, and reduces the risk of long-term damage.

From a structural perspective, furring channels are also important because they help brace trusses and provide lateral stability. Whether it is leveling surfaces, supporting exterior cladding, or strengthening structural elements, furring channels offer a flexible and reliable framing solution.

Metal furring detail, end profile view.

Flat Strapping

Flat strapping is very important for improving the structural strength of Cold Formed Steel wall assemblies. Its main use is to brace wind-resistant shear walls, where it is often installed diagonally in an X-shape to resist racking forces caused by wind and seismic activity. Proper tensioning of the straps is essential to ensure effective performance.

In addition, flat strapping provides horizontal bracing for wall studs, especially those that are deeper than 6 inches. It prevents the studs from rotating and from bending in their weaker direction (minor axis buckling). In horizontal applications, it is often used together with solid blocking to further strengthen the wall structure.

In simple terms, whether it is used for bracing shear walls or providing horizontal support, flat strapping plays a key role in maintaining stability. It resists lateral forces and prevents deformation of the studs, helping to keep walls straight, aligned, and strong enough to handle expected loads.

Strap X bracing, exterior view.

Metal Framing Accessories

Resilient channels such as RC-1 and RC-2 are essential components for improving sound insulation in modern wall and ceiling assemblies. Designed to enhance acoustic performance, these channels decouple gypsum board (drywall) from the framing structure, effectively reducing vibration transfer and increasing Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings. This makes them a popular choice in residential, commercial, and multi-family construction projects where noise control is a priority.

The RC-1 resilient channel features a single-leg design, offering versatility for both wall and ceiling applications. When properly installed, RC-1 channels can improve STC ratings by approximately 3 to 7 points, helping to minimize sound transmission between rooms.

The RC-2 resilient channel, with its double-leg design, provides enhanced strength and stability. It is especially suitable for ceiling applications, particularly where heavier finishes are used. Its robust construction ensures better support while maintaining excellent acoustic performance.

Incorporating RC-1 and RC-2 resilient channels into your construction project is a cost-effective solution for achieving superior soundproofing and meeting building code requirements for noise control.

True Structural 20 Gauge Studs and Track

Structural 20 gauge studs and track provide a highly versatile and reliable solution for a wide range of framing applications, going far beyond standard drywall partitions. These components are distinctly different from EQ 20 gauge studs commonly used in public or light-duty applications, offering superior strength and performance.

Unlike lighter gauge framing members, structural 20 gauge studs are specifically engineered for both load-bearing and non-load-bearing construction. This makes them ideal for projects that require enhanced structural support, durability, and long-term stability. In load-bearing applications, it is essential to carefully evaluate all applied loads, including axial loads (vertical forces) and lateral loads (such as wind and seismic forces), to ensure safe and efficient performance.

For government and public infrastructure projects, compliance with strict standards is critical. According to the Army Corps of Engineers, true 20 gauge studs with a thickness of 33 mils are required to meet performance and safety specifications.

Construction professionals must follow proper engineering guidelines to determine safe spans and load capacities. Additionally, implementing effective bracing techniques and using secure connection methods such as self-drilling screws or welding is essential for maintaining structural integrity.Proper design and installation not only enhance performance but also help prevent buckling and deformation, ensuring the overall stability and safety of the structure under various load conditions.

Aerial view of a multistory construction project.

Slotted Deflection Track

Slotted Deflection Track, also known as a slip track, is a critical component used in non-load bearing wall assemblies. It is specifically designed to accommodate vertical deflection between the primary building structure (such as slabs or beams) and interior partition walls.

This track features elongated slots, allowing wall studs to move freely within the track. This flexibility helps prevent the transfer of axial (vertical) loads from the building structure to the wall system, reducing the risk of stud buckling, cracking, or structural damage.

Why Slotted Deflection Tracks Are Important 

Slotted deflection tracks play a vital role in maintaining wall integrity, especially in multi-story buildings, where structural movement caused by live loads, thermal expansion, or settling is common. By allowing controlled movement, these tracks protect partition walls from stress-related failures.

Key Benefits  

• Accommodates vertical building movement (deflection)
• Prevents load transfer to non-load bearing walls
• Reduces risk of cracks and structural damage
• Improves durability of drywall and partition systems
• Ideal for commercial and multi-story construction projects

Installation Best Practices  

Proper installation is essential to ensure optimal performance:

• Place screws correctly without restricting movement in the slots
• Maintain an adequate deflection gap between the wall and the structure
• Follow manufacturer guidelines for spacing and fastening

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

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

Metal studs ranging from 18 to 14 gauge are specifically engineered for structural applications in modern construction. One of their primary uses is in exterior curtain wall systems, where they provide strong and reliable support for a variety of cladding materials such as panels, siding, and exterior finishes.

These metal studs are designed to effectively withstand wind loads, helping maintain the integrity and performance of the building envelope. Widely used in both commercial and industrial construction projects, they offer dependable framing solutions for exterior applications.

It is important to note that exterior curtain wall systems are non-load-bearing, meaning they do not carry the building’s primary vertical structural loads. Instead, they function as protective and aesthetic outer coverings. In addition to exterior use, 18-14 gauge metal studs are essential for constructing tall interior partitions (25 feet and above) in large spaces like retail stores, warehouses, and factories. They provide excellent stability and help minimize deflection caused by the weight of finishing materials such as drywall.

Detailed view of studs installed in deflection/slip track.

Complete Track Offering