Many professionals and DIYers prefer the convenience of cold-formed steel (CFS) to frame basement walls. CFS studs, or metal studs, are lightweight, impervious to termites, can be cut to precise specifications and never twist or warp. Plus, steel studs do not retain moisture or harbor mold growth — a common problem with wood, since basements are prone to water leaks.
“You can frame your entire basement in a matter of hours [with steel framing].” says Jeff Thorman of Home Renovision DIY, a popular https://www.bobvila.com/articles/cost-to-frame-a-basement/YouTube channel dedicated to helping homeowners learn the skills and tricks of the trade and to take the fear out of home renovation, remodeling and decorating.
“Plus, it [CFS framing] doesn’t take a great degree of skill,” continues Thorman. “But, there are a few specific tools you’re going to need and a few processes that you’re going to have to understand in order to be successful.”
Steel Framing Tricks of the Trade
Thorman provides tips to frame a basement with CFS studs and track in the video, Wood Too Expensive? Frame With Steel!. Here are some of Thorman’s tricks of the trade for steel framing include:
When working with steel studs, always wear safety gloves to avoid getting cut from sharp edges.
Tools and Supplies
1. Purchase CFS framing (sometimes called light-gauge metal framing) from a commercial supplier, rather than from Home Depot or Lowe’s. Commercial suppliers provide higher gauge (thicker) studs for similar and sometimes lower prices
2. Use locking clamps can reduce gaps between fastened parts and prevent movement during screw installation
3. Use a black marker rather than a pencil to mark the studs
A permanent black marker is the best way to write and mark layout on metal studs.
4. Use a tape measure with a magnet
5. Use straight-cut aviation snips to cut steel studs
6. Use a circular saw fitted with a toothless (Carborundum) metal-cutting blade if dozens of metal studs and tracks must be cut
7. Always wear safety gloves to avoid getting cut from sharp edges
Recommended Resource
3 Questions to Ask When Choosing Fasteners for Cold-Formed Steel Framing
Face all steel studs in the same direction, with the cut at the same end, so all openings line up for plumbing and electric.
Installation
8. Insert steel studs diagonally into the bottom and top track
9. Face all steel studs in the same direction, with the cut at the same end, so all openings line up for plumbing and electric
10. Use a fastener head with some bearing surface on the top of the material being connected, such as a hex or pan head, to connect stud studs
11. Drive the screw near the corner of the stud for less bending
12. For larger jobs, consider purchasing an industrial-grade screw gun, 5 to 6 amps with 0 to 2,500 rpm. The motor runs continuously while the screw is fed onto the bit tip
Recommended Resource
eBook: A Beginner’s Guide to Cold-Formed Steel Framing
How Much Does It Cost?
According to Angi, the cost to frame a basement averages $1,200. Depending on the size of the space, local labor costs, and other factors, the cost can range from $500 to more than $12,000.
Steel studs cost around the same amount as untreated wood, ranging from about $2 to $4 per square foot, according to BobVilla.com.
The cost to frame the basement is not influenced just by the size or type of materials used. The price is also affected by the type of basement including masonry wall, poured concrete wall or precast panel.
Advantages of Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Framing:
- Dimensionally stable and does not expand or contract with changes in moisture content
- Lightweight compared to wood and concrete
- Will not warp, split, crack or creep when exposed to the elements
- Sustainable and 100% recyclable
- Durable and has a high tensile strength
- Non-combustible and is a safeguard against fire accidents
Still Have Questions?
Do you need support for your next project? BuildSteel offers free project assistance for building professionals in the U.S. and Canada:
- Consultation on code-compliant design of non-residential and multi-family structures
- Industry experts with decades of knowledge on CFS
- National network of manufacturers, suppliers and contractors (U.S. and Canada)
Submit your project or question.
Additional Resources
- Family Handyman Provides the Basics of Framing with Steel Studs
- Resources to Ease the Learning Curve For Using Steel Framing in Residential Construction
- DIYers Use Steel to Build Decks as Lumber Prices Soar