The path to construction perfection is paved by using the right materials and right tools for the right job. While wood studs are still the favored framing option, steel studs have some clear benefits when you’re comparing apples to apples. Here are five problems with wood studs and how steel ones address them.

Imagine a homeowner going to collect their favorite holiday decorations from the basement, only to discover condensation, or worse, standing water.  A wet basement or condensation issues are significant and valid concerns for homeowners. Whether the client expects you to be an expert in the matter or looks to you to solve simple issues, it’s important that you know some waterproofing basics.

Steel studs have been gaining popularity in both residential and commercial projects. Over the past decade more structures are being built with steel studs and over 500,000 homes have been built using steel studs as opposed to the traditional wood stud. If you’re still not sold on the idea of completing your next project with steel studs, check out the industry’s best-kept secrets about steel studs to convince yourself.

A wet basement is one of the most common problems of home ownership. Whether it’s mold from dampness leaking through the foundation, or a burst pipe that floods the whole basement, it’s something almost every homeowner has had some level of experience with. While we can’t always prevent the cause of the moisture, we can build out basements that can stand up to it. Here are some tips on finishing basements that can reduce the likelihood of water damage.

As an independent contractor or a Project Manager (PM) within a large construction company, the goals are the same: produce quality work, on time and on budget. If properly bid out with no surprises along the way, then “on budget” can be more easily accomplished. But it’s construction, and we all know what can and will go wrong. So how can you attempt to keep on schedule and budget? 

The Steel Framing Alliance indicates that more than 40 percent of commercial structures are now built with metal studs and nearly 500,000 homes have been built with steel framing over the past decade.  Times have certainly changed as steel studs have gained popularity. Even though they are more costly than the traditional wood stud, they offer superior quality and strength to the structure once installed. 

Different materials are right for different types of jobs. Sometimes traditional wooden framing is more appropriate in a construction project. But don’t discount the alternative of steel studs. Cold-formed steel framing is produced from sheet steel that is then formed into the shapes and sizes of traditional lumber that is used in construction. There are many reasons why steel studs can improve your next build. We looked to the Steel Framing Alliance and Bethepro.com to outline some of these benefits.

Santa knew you wanted to finish the basement this year. Because he is wise, he knew you’d choose to frame it out with steel studs. They’re lighter weight, 30% cheaper, never warp, and aren’t susceptible to insect or water damage. Because you’ve been good, he gifted you a pneumatic nail gun and plenty of SteelThread SCRAIL® to go with it. Now that you have the right tool, your job will be sturdier, last longer, and be done sooner. You’ll go from boring basement to Man Cave in no time.