How to Frame in a Door With Metal Studs

Metal studs are installed in residential and commercial buildings.

In buildings with metal studs, building codes often require metal studs when remodeling. If a door is removed, the open area is filled quite quickly with metal studs. The process is not much different than with wood studs and may even be a little easier. Metal studs are light and can be cut with a tin snip, though there are chop boxes made especially for cutting them. Wearing gloves is a good idea because metal studs have very sharp edges and are covered with a thin coat of oil.

Things You'll Need

• Tin snip
• Chop box (optional)
• Metal studs
• Metal track
• Drill
• 1/2-inch pan head framing screws
• 1-and-1/4-inch drywall screws (wood floors)
• 3/4-inch nail in concrete anchor (concrete floors)
• Hammer drill (concrete floors)
• 1/4-inch masonry bit (concrete floors)

Instructions

1. 

   A tin snip is used to cut metal studs.

   Cut a piece of track for the floor to the width of the opening.

2. 

   Drywall screws are used to install metal track to wood floors.

   Attach the track to the floor with 1-and-1/4-inch drywall screws. If your floor is concrete, drill through the track into the floor with a hammer drill and a 1/4 inch masonry bit, then drive in a 3/4 inch nail in concrete anchor every two feet.

3. 

   Pan head screws are used to attach metal studs to the track.

   Cut a length of track to fit at the top of the opening and screw it to the existing header with 1/2-inch pan head framing screws. Place two screws on each end and every 16 inches.

4. 

   Use a marker to lay out your studs.

   Mark the stud locations on the bottom and top track with a marker.

5. Cut metal studs to fill the opening that are 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch shorter than the distance between the top and bottom track. You will need one on each side and every 16 inches in the opening.

6. Screw a stud to the left and right side of the opening with 1/2-inch pan head framing screws. Place two screws at the top and bottom and about every 24 inches along the stud.

7. Insert the studs and screw them to the track. Place a screw on each side of the track at the bottom and top of each stud.

References

• Bob Vila: Metal Stud Framing
• "This Old House: Metal Framing Basics"