Metal Studs For Furring Basement Ceiling

erramoss

Hello,
I'm working on a basement that previously had a dropped ceiling because all plumbing was run on the underside of the floor joists. I'm putting in a drywall ceiling but I need to furr out the joists at least 3" to clear all plumbing. Is it acceptable to to attach 3 5/8” metal studs to the wooden floor joists and hang the drywall from these studs? I realize that I’ll have to add blocking between the rows of studs to keep them plumb, but I was just wondering if this method has been done by anyone here and been successful?

Thank You

Jason Whipple

It sure wouldn't be my first choice. I'm surprised that someone who has "Architect" under your trade would ask such a question.

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Historic House Restoration, Cincinnati, Ohio
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erramoss

Let me edit my response. First off, that wasn't helpful at all. Secondly, I'm proposing this method because I have several bundles of metal studs sitting in my garage and this seems to be the best opportunity to use them. I understand that this isn't the 'best' method for this scenario, but it's what I've got to deal with. The 3" depth is too deep for any furring channels, so if anyone has had to furr out with metal studs, any tips or problems that you ran into would help. I'm looking for feedback, not smug responses.

Jason Whipple

http://www.armstrong.com/commclgeu/e...amilyNameId=24

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Historic House Restoration, Cincinnati, Ohio
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erramoss

I appreciate the information, but from the looks of that product, it's still pretty similar to the acoustic tile grid system that I'm trying to get rid of. Unless I'm missing something on that product it only shows panels being installed in the grid system.

Jason Whipple

It's made to screw drywall to, not to set it in.

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Historic House Restoration, Cincinnati, Ohio
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RLGC

Sounds really cheesy. I hope this is not reflective of your architectual skills.

JustaFramer

Why couldn't you use steel stud. Depending on the gauge they are used in drop ceiling all the time.

erramoss

I'll look into that, I appreciate the information.

erramoss

I know that I've seen similar framing techniques done using studs instead of channels. The fact that it's "cheesy" or not is irrelevant. Thank you to the two of you that provided helpful feedback and suggestions.

Jason Whipple

The suspension system will allow you to hang a perfectly level ceiling without dealing with the underside of floor joists with varying thicknesses. You'll spend a lot of time shimming the other way.

But I saw your edit and you can use the left overs if you want, but like I said before YOUR smug response and edit. It wouldn't be my first choice.

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Historic House Restoration, Cincinnati, Ohio
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erramoss

Yes, the method with the studs will definitely have its drawbacks, that being maintaining a level ceiling and dealing with the twist of the studs when they are fastened to the joists, but with shimming and cross blocking, I can deal with those drawbacks. Trust me, it's not my first choice either, but it's a cost issue more than anything.

Jason Whipple

The real cost of doing work you aren't trained to do is more than you know or are willing to admit.

If your not a framer and a sheet rocker you should let the pro's do it the way they choose to or don't do it at all. I can't tell you how many houses I walk into each year were the H/O has done the work themselves and it shows.

There is no value added when the job is done less than professionally.

Good Luck

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Historic House Restoration, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Jason Whipple

I have to wonder why you would close off access to all those shut of valves for plumbing and most likely junction boxes that by code (any were) need to be accessible.

I'm sure as an Architect you have had all this moved to another location that is accessible, right?

Edit: At the least, you need to provide access doors in all of these locations.

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Historic House Restoration, Cincinnati, Ohio
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JustaFramer

I find nothing cheesy about firring with steel stud/joists. If you are worried about irregulatities then use some burke shims and set a elevation.

And don't go covering up shut offs.

mickeyco

............

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Jason Whipple

Please tell me you tied those studs to the ceiling with wire or something.

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Historic House Restoration, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Pavola

It's a floating ceiling system.

Pavola

What's cheesy about it? Same principle as using the ceiling grid systems mentioned above. You could install these studs with the same installation guides that come with those. Good use of material laying around IMO.

randomkiller

The grid system is made to support the weight of 1/2" rock, the steel studs are not meant to support weight in that position, unless they are like a minimum of heavier than 24ga. Seeing those light gauge studs with the waffle pattern, it looks like a hack job.

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