How To Hang Drywall On Metal Studs | Easy and Fast (2024)

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1 Materials and Tools You Might Need to Hang Drywall on Metal Stud

1.1 Materials

1.2 Tools

2 Steps of How To Hang Drywall On Metal Studs

2.1 Preparing the Surface

2.1.1 Measuring and cutting metal studs

2.2 Installing metal studs in place

2.3 Securing metal studs to the wall

2.3.1 Checking for level and square

2.4 Hanging the Drywall

2.5 Finishing the Drywall

3 Advantages Of Hanging Drywall On Metal Studs

3.1 Long-Lasting

3.2 Fire Resistant

3.3 Echo Friendly

4 Suggested Tools

4.1 10-inch Metal Stud Crimper Drywall Tools

4.2 ITW Brands 25316 50PK Stud Dry Anchor

4.3 Ansoon Zinc Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors

5 Conclusion

5.1 Related posts:

Welcome you all and if you are searching for how to hang drywall on metal studs, you are on the right path. In this article, you will learn properly to hang drywall on metal studs.

How To Hang Drywall On Metal Studs | Easy and Fast (1)

Metal studs are popular in industrial and commercial buildings for many years. But they became popular in residential buildings in recent years. Cold-formed and lightweight metal studs and wall framing are around 30% cheaper than wood construction.

That’s one big reason for its growing popularity day by day. And for this reason, many people these days ask, “How to hang drywall on metal studs.” If you are also looking for this answer, you have arrived at the right place. We will tell you the easiest way to hang drywall on metal studs.

Materials and Tools You Might Need to Hang Drywall on Metal Stud

Materials

Drywall sheets
Metal studs
Drywall screws
Drywall tape
Joint compound
Sandpaper

Tools

Drill
Screw gun or impact driver
T-Square
Utility knife
Tape measure
Corner bead
Drywall saw
Joint Knife
Sanding block or sandpaper
Trowel
Level

Steps of How To Hang Drywall On Metal Studs

Customizing your home, especially your living space, brings joy. But are metal studs good enough to install shelves, cabinets, or heavy art pieces? Metal studs are lightweight but still can handle lots of weight. Here are the steps to hang drywall on metal studs:

How To Hang Drywall On Metal Studs | Easy and Fast (2)

Preparing the Surface

Measuring and cutting metal studs

  1. Measure the height and length of the wall where you will be hanging the drywall.
  2. Cut the metal studs to the appropriate length with a metal saw.
  3. Mark each metal stud where they need to be cut.
  4. Use a metal saw to make the cuts.
  5. Check the cuts to ensure they are straight and the proper length.
  6. Repeat the process for all metal studs needed for the project.

Installing metal studs in place

  1. Mark the position of the studs on the floor or ceiling, making sure they are evenly spaced and level.

  2. Cut the metal studs to the appropriate length, making sure to wear safety goggles and gloves.

  3. Secure the metal studs to the floor or ceiling using screws and brackets, making sure they are level and plumb.

  4. Connect the metal studs to each other using screws and metal connectors to ensure that they are firmly connected.

  5. Finally, check the studs with a level to make sure they are level and properly secured in place.

Securing metal studs to the wall

  • Make sure the metal studs are level and plumb using a level tool.
  • Attach the metal studs to the wall using metal fasteners, such as self-drilling screws or power-actuated fasteners.
  • Ensure that the fasteners are tightly secured and spaced evenly along the length of the metal studs.
  • Check the level and plumb again after securing the metal studs to the wall.
  • Repeat the process for all metal studs being installed in the wall.

Checking for level and square

  1. Determine the starting point for installing metal studs: Before hanging drywall on metal studs, it’s important to determine the starting point. This will help ensure that the drywall sheets are installed straight and level.

  2. Mark the starting point on the floor: Use a pencil or marker to mark the starting point of the metal studs on the floor. This will help you keep track of where the first metal stud should be installed.

  3. Check the level: Use a spirit level to make sure the starting point is level. This will help ensure that the metal studs are installed straight and that the drywall sheets are level.

  4. Square the starting point: To ensure that the metal studs are square, measure diagonally from one corner of the starting point to the other. If the measurements are the same, then the starting point is square. If not, adjust the starting point until the measurements are the same.

  5. Repeat the process for the remaining walls: Once the starting point is level and square, repeat the process for the remaining walls. This will help ensure that all of the metal studs are level and square, which is essential for a successful drywall installation.

Hanging the Drywall

  1. Laying out drywall sheets: Start by laying out the drywall sheets on the floor to determine the best fit for each sheet. Cut the drywall sheets to size if necessary.

  2. Attaching drywall to metal studs: Place the first sheet of drywall against the metal studs and secure it in place using screws. Space the screws evenly along the studs, making sure to sink them into the center of the studs to avoid hitting the flanges.

  3. Sealing the joints: After attaching the first sheet, add the next sheet of drywall and repeat the process. Apply a thin layer of joint compound over the seams between the sheets to seal them and eliminate any gaps.

  4. Sanding and finishing: Once the joint compound has dried, sand the surface of the drywall to smooth it out. Repeat this process until you have a seamless surface. Then, paint or texture the drywall to match the rest of the wall.

  5. Installing electrical boxes: If necessary, install electrical boxes for light fixtures or outlets. Cut holes in the drywall for the boxes and secure them in place with screws.

  6. Finishing up: Finally, inspect the drywall for any final touches and make sure it is level and square. Fill any small cracks or holes with spackling and sand them down for a smooth finish.

Finishing the Drywall

  1. Applying joint compound: Spread a thin layer of joint compound over the seams and screw heads of the drywall with a knife or trowel.
  2. Covering with tape: Apply drywall tape over the joint compound, smoothing out any bumps or ridges with a knife or trowel.
  3. Applying additional joint compound: After the tape has been applied, add another layer of joint compound to the seams, covering the tape and making the surface even.
  4. Sanding: Allow the joint compound to dry completely, then sand the surface with a sanding block or pole sander until it is smooth and even.
  5. Priming and painting: Once the drywall is sanded, prime and paint the surface to match the rest of the wall.
  6. Finishing corners: For inside corners, apply a metal corner bead or a special corner compound to give a clean, finished look.
  7. Inspecting the work: After completing all steps, inspect the work to ensure there are no cracks, holes, or other imperfections that need to be repaired.
How To Hang Drywall On Metal Studs | Easy and Fast (3)

Advantages Of Hanging Drywall On Metal Studs

Metal framing is an excellent alternative to typical wood framing. This has been the standard of commercial construction in many countries since the middle of the 20th century. But recently, metal framing has become more and more popular in single-family houses. Here are the reasons why metal framing is becoming popular day by day.

Long-Lasting

Metal framing is not as biodegradable as wood. Metal wall framing light-gauge made galvanized steel. The galvanization process lessens the risk of corrosion compared to untreated steel. Wood retains moisture and changes its shape over time, but metal does not. Therefore, metal framing does not experience “dry-rot.” Dry-rot wood can warp, crack, swell, or shrink because of moisture or insect damage.

Fire Resistant

Every house owner dreads the possibility of fire, and for that reason, metal framing gets a significant advantage over wood framing. Unlike wood framing, metal framing will not contribute energy to fire, nor will it ignite when heated. This is a very crucial reason for choosing metal framing.

Echo Friendly

Metal framing is entirely recyclable. Wood produces much more waste during construction; metal framing, on the other hand, is relatively waste-free. Wood waste can be recycled as well, but the recycling process takes more time and energy. Moreover, the recycling process is complicated. Metal framing is way lighter than wood. Two metal studs weigh less than a wood stud; therefore, the transport energy for wood framing is also higher than metal framing.

Suggested Tools

To hang drywall on metal studs, proper technique is essential, but you can make the process easier with appropriate tools. The bellow tools with certainly help you:

10-inch Metal Stud Crimper Drywall Tools

This is a perfect tool for joining metal studs to metal tracks. It is ideal for securing any width stud and runner without screws or other fasteners. Single-handed. This compact and lightweight in design and comes with a soft-touch non-slip handle. You can use this drywall tool for fastening metal studs together, and you won’t need screws or rivets.

The 10-inch size allows you extra leverage for a more straightforward operation. The drywall tool can create a rectangular crimp, stud, and bending over thicknesses of the channel and at the same time to form a sturdy bond.

This metal stud crimper will make the installation process of the drywall on metal studs effortless.

ITW Brands 25316 50PK Stud Dry Anchor

You can use the screwdriver holder to use on pegboard or solid wall surfaces. They are made of durable and high-impact plastic. It can hold nine screwdrivers, both slotted and Phillips’s head. These fit in both 1/4-Inch and 1/8-Inch pegboard. The anchors use 50% less wall space. They are available in blue color. If you are planning on hanging drywall on metal studs, these might make the process easier.

Ansoon Zinc Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors

These anchors can hang up to 50 pounds in weight. They are made of durable zinc, and you don’t need any hole preparation. They can dig precise holes into the drywall, and you can remove them quickly. The deep thread design delivers strong engagement, locks into many sizes of drywall 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, or 5/8 inch gypsum wallboard.

For hanging your favorite items on the drywall that you installed on metal studs, you definitely need those.

Conclusion

Hanging drywall on metal studs is not so different from hanging it on wood studs. But the process needs proper screws and a bit more patience. If you know the process and have appropriate materials, you don’t need professional help. We hope the article helped you to understand the process, and now you are confident enough to hang drywall on metal studs. Best of luck with your project, and we will see you in another article.

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Metal studs are becoming increasingly popular in residential buildings due to their cost-effectiveness and durability compared to wood construction. Hanging drywall on metal studs follows a similar process to hanging it on wood studs, but there are some key differences. In this article, we will discuss the materials and tools you might need, as well as the steps involved in hanging drywall on metal studs. We will also explore the advantages of using metal studs for drywall installation and suggest some tools that can make the process easier.

Materials and Tools You Might Need to Hang Drywall on Metal Studs

Materials:

  • Drywall sheets
  • Metal studs
  • Drywall screws
  • Drywall tape
  • Joint compound
  • Sandpaper

Tools:

  • Drill
  • Screw gun or impact driver
  • T-Square
  • Utility knife
  • Tape measure
  • Corner bead
  • Drywall saw
  • Joint Knife
  • Sanding block or sandpaper
  • Trowel
  • Level

Steps of How To Hang Drywall On Metal Studs

  1. Preparing the Surface

    • Measure and cut the metal studs to the appropriate length using a metal saw [[1]].
    • Mark each metal stud where they need to be cut and make the cuts using a metal saw [[1]].
  2. Installing metal studs in place

    • Mark the position of the studs on the floor or ceiling, ensuring they are evenly spaced and level [[1]].
    • Cut the metal studs to the appropriate length and secure them to the floor or ceiling using screws and brackets [[1]].
    • Connect the metal studs to each other using screws and metal connectors to ensure they are firmly connected [[1]].
  3. Securing metal studs to the wall

    • Attach the metal studs to the wall using metal fasteners, such as self-drilling screws or power-actuated fasteners [[1]].
    • Ensure that the fasteners are tightly secured and spaced evenly along the length of the metal studs [[1]].
  4. Checking for level and square

    • Determine the starting point for installing metal studs and mark it on the floor [[1]].
    • Use a spirit level to check if the starting point is level [[1]].
    • Measure diagonally from one corner of the starting point to the other to ensure the metal studs are square [[1]].
  5. Hanging the Drywall

    • Lay out the drywall sheets on the floor to determine the best fit for each sheet and cut them to size if necessary [[1]].
    • Place the first sheet of drywall against the metal studs and secure it in place using screws, spacing them evenly along the studs [[1]].
    • Repeat the process for the remaining sheets, applying a thin layer of joint compound over the seams between the sheets to seal them [[1]].
  6. Finishing the Drywall

    • Apply joint compound over the seams and screw heads of the drywall, cover with tape, and apply another layer of joint compound [[1]].
    • Allow the joint compound to dry completely, then sand the surface until it is smooth and even [[1]].
    • Prime and paint the surface to match the rest of the wall [[1]].

Advantages Of Hanging Drywall On Metal Studs

  1. Long-Lasting: Metal framing is not as biodegradable as wood and is less prone to moisture-related issues like warping, cracking, swelling, or shrinking [[2]].
  2. Fire Resistant: Metal framing does not contribute energy to fire and will not ignite when heated, making it a safer option compared to wood framing [[3]].
  3. Eco-Friendly: Metal framing is entirely recyclable and produces less waste during construction compared to wood framing [[4]].

Suggested Tools

  • 10-inch Metal Stud Crimper Drywall Tools: This tool is ideal for joining metal studs to metal tracks without the need for screws or other fasteners [[5]].
  • ITW Brands 25316 50PK Stud Dry Anchor: These anchors are made of durable and high-impact plastic and can hold screwdrivers on pegboard or solid wall surfaces [[6]].
  • Ansoon Zinc Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors: These anchors can hang up to 50 pounds in weight and are designed for precise holes in drywall [[7]].

In conclusion, hanging drywall on metal studs is a cost-effective and durable option for residential buildings. By following the proper steps and using the right materials and tools, you can successfully hang drywall on metal studs. Metal studs offer advantages such as longevity, fire resistance, and eco-friendliness. Tools like a metal stud crimper, stud dry anchors, and self-drilling drywall anchors can make the process easier and more efficient. Good luck with your drywall installation project!

How To Hang Drywall On Metal Studs | Easy and Fast (2024)

FAQs

How To Hang Drywall On Metal Studs | Easy and Fast? ›

One question many people ask is how to hang drywall on metal studs. TIP: Drywall nails won't hold, and trying to screw in regular drywall screws will leave you frustrated. You will want to instead use specialized self-tapping drywall screws.

Do I need special drywall screws for metal studs? ›

Often, contractors have to use special screws for metal studs due to the material's durability. These screws have finer threads and sharper tips to better pierce and provide hold in metal studs. Fine-threaded screws work best because drywall screws are not strong enough for the job.

How do you hang something heavy on steel studs? ›

Once you've drilled your pilot holes, you'll want to use a toggle bolt to safely secure heavy items to the metal stud. Alternately, you could cut open the drywall, secure small sections of wood between the steel studs and then attach very heavy items to the wood.

Is it safe to drill into a metal stud? ›

You absolutely can drill into metal studs without weakening them, and in many cases drilling into metal studs will be required. However, it's important to drill pilot holes first, and be sure to anchor anything to the center of the stud if you are using the stud to bear weight.

What screws to use for drywall to metal studs? ›

Low Profile Framing Screws

These screws take a #2 Phillips head bit, are zinc coated, and typically no longer than 3/4″. They are used on interior or exterior load bearing walls and headers. Because of the low profile head, they can be used in applications where plywood or drywall will be used to cover the metal studs.

Will lag bolts work in metal studs? ›

The difference lies between the hardware that is used to attach the bracket to the wall for proper support. Wooden stud installations use lag bolts that screw directly into the stud while metal stud installations require hardware such as toggle bolts, drill toggle, or snap toggles to secure into the metal stud.

Should I crimp or screw metal studs? ›

When it comes to fixing metal frames together, there are two main methods: Using screws and a drill or using a crimping tool. Screws are the traditional choice but some would argue that using a crimping tool is much quicker, easier and efficient as you are using less materials.

What is the best drill bit for metal studs? ›

Cobalt drill bitsare used for drilling hard metal and steel. They dissipate heat quickly and are highly resistant to abrasions, making them better for drilling into hard metals than black oxide- or titanium-coated drill bits.

How do you hang a heavy mirror on drywall with metal studs? ›

The best way to hang a very heavy mirror is to drive screws directly through the mirror's frame, into wall studs. An alternative is to use a metal cleat system, where a cleat on the frame and a cleat on the wall interlock to hold the mirror.

How to hang something into metal studs? ›

To screw into metal studs, you should use truss head lath screws, not drywall screws. There are drywall screws with threads made for metal studs, but they are easy to strip and the metal is not intended for sheer weight. There are two kinds of drywall screws, coarse thread (for wood) and fine thread (for metal).

How far apart are metal studs? ›

They're always spaced either 16 or 24 inches on center (measured from center to center) along the wall and run between the floor and ceiling. Drywall or lath (for plaster walls) attaches to the edge of the studs.

Does a stud finder work on metal? ›

Electronic stud finders: These stud finders use sensors to detect changes in density behind the wall. When the sensor comes across a metal stud, it sends a signal to indicate its presence. Electronic stud finders are simple to use and are suitable for detecting both wood and metal studs.

How to hang a heavy mirror on metal studs? ›

I like to cut out the drywall behind the mirror where you intend to hang it, then screw plywood directly to the studs. Then you can screw the mirror into the plywood and not have to worry about it being too heavy.

Can lag screws be used in metal? ›

A screw drives into wood, while a lag screw is designed for use in masonry or other hard surfaces. The threads on a lag screw are also more course than those of a metal screw. Lag screws most commonly fasten wood and composite materials together. They can also secure metal, stone and concrete.

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