Metal Stud Spacing?

CM Mann

What is USG standards on metal stud spacing? 1/2" drywall and 5/8" drywall? I thought it was 24" OC for 5/8" and 16" OC for 1/2"
Thanks

AtlanticWBConst

16" OC for both (3-5/8" studs), unless otherwise specified on plans.

(FWIW: Never heard nor seen 5/8" spec'd at 24" OC....)

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JustaFramer

The school I am working on is 16" oc and their using 1" rock both sides.

CM Mann

I am looking for the maximum spacing from USG. Obviously 16" is better but several agency except 24" spacing. But where can I find there standard? I have went to there website but I can't find anything.

JustaFramer

This from USG

Teetorbilt

There ain't no starch to a metal stud to begin with, why would you want to stretch them out? I wouldn't want them on 3" centers.

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AtlanticWBConst

Regardless of what USG states (one maufacturer), it's always been 16" OC in our area for steel studs) - period.

(USG: It seems that they are saying that if you install the 5/8" sheets horizontally (perpendicular to parallel studs) that you can install the studs at 24" OC. Then they say if you are installing the sheets vertically (parallel) to vertical studs, then it's 16" OC)

Really, it's going to be by what the plans and designs dictate.

Again, I have NEVER seen any steel studs installed 24" OC. We have never done it, I have never seen anyone do it, I have never opened up walls and run across it on commercial renovations that we have done. I do not see any practical use in that kind of spacing. I think it causes issues with installing shelving, or any other kind of attachments...

You sound like you have basically never installed steel framing and 5/8" sheetrock before (I could be wrong).... I'm not trying to insult you, it's just that, if infact, you have, you will understand the point TEETOR made regarding "no starch" in steel framing. "No ridgidity". I have never, and would never install steel at 24" OC - due to this....(Regardless of what is on USG's site)

- that's my 2 cents -

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CM Mann

Atlantic,
I have been in the commercial buisiness for 16 years and I too have never installed metal studs at 24" centers. I went to work for a commercial developer recently who use a 24" spacing with 1/2" board. Obviously this is there own preference and not a standard commercial construction practice. I am just trying to find something in writing to show them how it should be done.

AtlanticWBConst

Something tells me that even if you were able to show that to them with a neon sign and several officials from the state building & codes ...they would still be installing it that way, as soon as everyone's back was turned....

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AtlanticWBConst

BTW - Do you have access to your state's code book?

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drywaller74

well now, I've been framing with steel studs for 26yrs. Chicago, Vail, and a few other places and have put studs on 24" centers many, many times. Always 5/8 board. both hanging horizontal or vertical. You may not like the stoutness of them, but you frame a 100' ft wall, and look down it, not saying you can't do it with wood, but you would be hard pressed to get it as straight and flat as easily. by the way when we have put them on 24" it's been specified by the architect.

Teetorbilt

74, maybe you can explain how ONE contractor managed to get a 6" bow in a 22' wall, it defeats me. I could do much better with box store lumber.

__________________
You can't solve you're problems with the same level of thinking that created the problems.

Albert Einstein

kgphoto

check your local code. that is the only reference with any teeth.

drywaller74

Teetor,
I would say he was a poor framer. Just like when I go into a house to hang sheetrock on a ceiling and it's 1" out of square. I think that the builder isn't very good.
It's like any trade, good and bad. Metal framing is a different trade then a wood carpenter. Just because a carpenter can build a house does not mean that he can go into a restaurant that calls for the framing to be metal, and frame all the walls and soffits and do it right. and the same is true of a journeyman metal framer I would not want them building my house. Each are journeyman at their own trade though. Wood and metal both have there place in construction, depending on what you are trying to accomplish.
Have a good 4th.

AtlanticWBConst

This makes it sound like it may also be a regional thing....

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Integity

HOW MUCH SHOULD I CHARGE FOR A METAL STUD PARTION WALL. Not sure how to bid it

JustaFramer

And what trade is metal framing and wood framing or drywalling for that matter.



Wouldn't that all be CARPENTRY. And what is a insulator, sider, hardwood floor installer, cabinet maker. A carpenter again.

rockertansky

Drywaller 74: Steel framing piecework in SC? Interior, exterior, no soffitts, on PT deck, with insurance? Needs an approx.