What is a Wall Stud? Everything You Need to Know
So, you know what a stud wall is, but what about the wall studs themselves? Effectively, the wall stud is a long, thin piece of timber or metal that forms the main structural support for the frame of your stud wall. The wall studs form the vertical upright portion of a wall frame. The top and sole plates of the frame are fitted to the floor and ceiling and the wall studs are added, evenly spaced along the length of the wall.
What Types of Wall Studs Are There?
There are two main types of wall studs commonly used in the construction of partition walls: timber and metal. Each has its different advantages.
- Timber wall studs: Timber is quite cost-effective and versatile, you can easily saw and shape timber to fit any space.
- Metal wall studs: Metal studs are a bit more stable than timber studs and they are also a non-combustible material.
Both types of wall studs are reliable building materials - capable of delivering a high-quality result. Of course, there are also a few disadvantages to using either timber or metal:
- Drawbacks of timber studs: Timber is not the best option for fire protection, it also creates a large amount of mess.
- Drawbacks of metal studs: Metal studs can be complicated to fix, especially as metal frames are a bit more intricate.
When you build a stud wall, the type of wall studs you choose will depend on the situation. Timber framing is good for partition walls in the home and steel studs are ideal for more commercial settings.
While timber studs are uniform in their appearance, metal studs have a few different shapes. These include a C-stud (shaped like the letter C) or an I-stud (shaped like the letter I).
Looking For Timber or Metal Studs?
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2 - 3 WORKING DAY DELIVERY
Timber Stud Infill 2100mm (034/034/90068)2 - 3 WORKING DAY DELIVERY
- Used to reinforce metal stud walls
- 2100mm length
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2 - 3 WORKING DAY DELIVERY
Acoustic C Stud (701/108/90988)2 - 3 WORKING DAY DELIVERY
- Manufactured to BS EN 14195
- Improved screw retention
FAQs
What is the Right Wall Stud Spacing?
The standard spacing is every 400mm or 600mm (which is every 16 inches or 24 inches) on the centre of the wall stud.
What is the Right Wall Stud Width?
Wall studs are usually around 89 mm in width. This width is sufficient to support the weight of both metal and timber frames.
What is the Average Wall Stud Length?
A pre-cut stud is usually 2300mm or 2600mm but can come in lengths up to 5000mm.
What is the Right Wall Stud Height?
The stud height is usually the ceiling height. In terms of the length of each piece of timber (or metal), studs are usually 2300mm and 2600mm. When installing a wall stud, measuring and cutting the timber or metal is necessary to make sure that each part of the wall frame is fully secured to the floor and ceiling.
How Thick is a Wall Stud?
The thicknesses of the studs in a wall are typically 75mm or 100mm. This is quite thin and can make it difficult to hang pictures, television mounts and other wall decorations that might require extra support. In this case, you may need a stud finder - a handy tool that locates studs behind the plasterboards.
Choose the best wall stud products today
We are your one-stop shop for top-quality wall stud products, catering to the needs of homeowners and trade professionals alike. Our extensive selection is designed to meet the demands of various construction and renovation projects. Whether you are planning to build interior walls or partitions, our wall studs provide the structural support needed for a durable and stable framework. We understand that the integrity of your walls is paramount.
Plus, trade customers can open trade accounts with Building Materials Nationwide to help find the best materials for your wall stud project. We offer a range of benefits from competitive trade pricing and expert customer support to ensure that your project runs smoothly and cost-effectively. If you are a builder or framing specialist, our commitment to delivering the best products will help you achieve outstanding results. Be sure to sign up online or reach out using the contact form below.