How to Frame a Metal Wall
Metal wall framing is an excellent choice for interior non-structural walls. The studs and track that comprise metal wall framing are made of thin-gauge galvanized steel. Due to its thin gauge, the studs are not rated to hold a structural load. Installing a metal framed wall in your home is similar to installing a wood framed wall; the layout and stud spacing are the same. The difference rests in the tooling required to perform the cutting and installation. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Permanent marker
- Framing square
- Chalk line
- Clear spray paint
- Ladder
- Plumb bob
- Combination square
- Aviation snips
- Utility knife
- Chop saw
- Metal studs
- Metal track
- 2 by 4 wood studs (2)
- Locking pliers
- Drill or screw gun
- #2 Phillips tip for drill/screw gun
- Pan head self-tapping framing screws
- 2-1/2 inch wood screws
- Four foot level
- Torpedo level
Instructions
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1
Measure and mark the location for the metal framed wall on your floor. Remove all floor, wall and ceiling coverings from the area of the mark. Sweep the area thoroughly.
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2
Measure off a wall that will to run parallel to the metal framed wall. Place two marks on the floor for the finished room's interior length. Place the marks at opposing ends of the metal framed wall. Snap a chalk line between the two marks. Cover the chalk line with clear spray paint to preserve the line. Measure the length of the chalk line and write the measurement of the floor by the chalk line.
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3
Mark the location of the door. Place marks for the door's rough opening on the chalk line. Take a measurement from one side of the door's rough opening to the wall that the metal framed wall will tie into. Mark the dimension on the floor next to that side of the rough opening. Repeat the process for the other side of the door's rough opening.
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4
Cut two pieces of stud track to the dimensions that you measured from the door's rough opening. Cut the stud track needed to span the total length of the chalk line. Use more than one piece if the distance is longer then a standard length of stud track. This stud track will be fastened to the ceiling joists.
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5
Mark the locations for the metal studs on the ceiling stud track. Divide the total length of the wall by two. This will give you the location of the wall's center. Mark the center measurement of the track. Place marks 8 inches off the centerline in both directions. From each mark continue placing marks every 16 inches. Transfer the marks to the floor track. Lay the pieces of track back to back. Keep the ends of the floor track even with the ends of the ceiling track while marking.
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6
Fasten the floor track with the 2 1/2-inch wood screws. Keep the rear edge of the track on the chalk line. With the plumb bob transfer the edge of the track to the ceiling in two places. Snap a chalk line between the marks.
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7
Screw the top track to the ceiling joists. Measure the distance between the top and bottom track at each stud location.
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8
Mark and cut out the studs for the wall. Place the bottom edge of a stud inside the floor track at the door's rough opening. Keep the flat outside face of the stud facing the door opening. Screw the stud to the track with the self-tapping sheet metal screw. Line-up the center of the stud with the corresponding mark on the top track and fasten the stud to the track. Repeat the process on the other side of the rough opening.
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9
Cut the 2 by 4's to the height between the two tracks. Screw one 2 by 4 to the inside of each stud located at the door's rough opening. Stand and fasten each stud identically to the way you installed the metal studs at the door opening.
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10
Mark the height of the door's rough opening. Cut a piece of track to span the door opening. Add six inches to the length. Measure in three inches from both sides of track and place a mark. Cut the flanges of the track at each mark. Bend the 3-inch tabs down. Place the track at the door height. Run a screw through the tab and into the stub. Level the track to the other side of the door opening and fasten that side as well.
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11
Measure the distance between the ceiling track and the door height track. Cut a stud for each mark that falls above the door height track. Install the studs as you did with the standard height studs.
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