In this article by Lee Wallender, the main differences are discussed between metal studs and wall studs. All the same basic principles, terms, and layout apply to both. They are both still installed by Carpenters. But there are instances you would want to use metal studs instead of wood and its important to know the differences and applications.

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My first time working with metal studs was a disaster. They are the perfection dimensions, lacking the imperfections of wood (bowing, cupping, wane, twisting, crown, etc.). This makes layout easier, but working with them is much more difficult, often requiring special tools. This article is a great guide for starting to work with metal studs.

CITATION

Wallender, Lee "Steel Studs vs Wood Studs for Wall Framing" 23 April, 2023, thespruce.com https://www.thespruce.com/reasons-to-reconsider-steel-studs-1822847

Scott Wadsworth's "Framing: The Parts of a Wall" is a fantastic video going over the various "jargon" used in framing walls. He is a carpenter with over 40 years of experience. He does a great job of explaining the terms, explaining their purpose, and shows you what they look like in real life.

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As a person who struggled pretty hardcore with understanding and visualizing the various processes of construction, I learned a metric ton of information from this man and his videos. I could honestly say I would not be the Remodeler and Carpenter I am today without the instruction I find in his videos.

CITATION

The Essential Craftsman - "Framing: The Parts of a Wall" Youtube 2020 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARNrj42sY2M

Mike Norton's article "Fast and Accurate Wall Framing" really stands the test of time. It was written over 11 years ago at this point and not a single thing he covers and highlights is antiquated. The article is not too difficult to read and it gets into the core of framing a wall, and ultimately, a house. Mike is a Master Carpenter, which is difficult to attain and requires over 8000 Logged hours as a carpenter.

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Construction and building structures does not come easily to me. I find it intensely interesting, but its not what I would consider something I am naturally gifted at. Framing in particular is not flashy or glamorous. Its physically strenuous and mentally demanding. Wall Framing is what holds up a building. Make a mistake and the whole structure is compromised and possible human life. Learning how to do it correctly is paramount!

CITATIONS

Norton, Mike. "Fast and Accurate Wall Framing". Fine Homebuilding, April/May 2014 issue #242. https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/framing/fast-and-accurate-wall-framing

Joe Carswell's' Explanation of the importance of wall sheathing is very important information to understand when constructing walls. Without this critical, often overlooked, part of wall framing you would have no lateral stability for your structures.

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When starting my career as a tradesmen I had no clue what wall sheathing was, why it was used, or why it was important. Watching and reading of entire 3 story homes collapsing because the builder did not add sheathing at each level of construction. This is extremely costly and exceedingly dangerous.

CITATION

Carswell, Joe. 'A lesson about Wall Sheathing in Residential Construction - TEACH Construction Trades Training". Teach Construction Community Education, Youtube. 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo-WEdzFL5g

Creating cost effective, energy efficient homes should be the goal of any carpenter or remodeler. This article addresses how to accomplish this at the skeletal level. The Framing. The better the home is framed the more energy efficient it will be. This is not only great for the homeowners monthly bills, but the environment as well.

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Until reading this article I was largely unaware that you were even permitted to construct walls 24 inches on center and only use one top plate on load bearing walls. These techniques however, create more space that insulation can occupy instead of wood. This allows for much less energy to heat and cool the same area.

CITATION

Department of Energy "Advanced Wall Framing" Department of Energy, eere.energy.gov, October 2000.

https://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/building_america/26449.pdf

This article is a quick guide on advanced framing to reduce waste. It does cover some addition benefits of the techniques like energy savings, but I like the article for its cost savings aspects more. Some second and third order effects you do not realize add up so quickly.

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If you need to construct less components of a wall, less often, one of the biggest savings is actually on labor! You do also save considerable costs (up to 30%) on the material required to construct the walls. The average home in the USA is $398,400 (bankrate.com) and the average cost to frame it is $4500 (about $16/sqft). The builder could potentially save up to $1350 per home. This could be a huge return on investment.

CITATION

Randy Melvin, American Plywood Association (APA) - "Advanced Framing" APA, apawood.org, 2015

https://www.apawood.org/advanced-framing

This Old House is a timeless show that has been teaching and helping folks for decades. This episode is no different. Here they go over the basics of framing an interior wall. This is also known as a "Partition wall" or a "non-load bearing wall".

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Know the structural differences and requirements of a LBW (Load Bearing Wall) and a NLBW (Non-Load Bearing Wall) is an essential part of layout and planning of your framing of those walls. Understanding what a NLBW is and why we use them is showcased in this episode. Quickly and efficiently too.

CITATION

Tom Silva & Nathan Gilbert, This Old House - Partition Wall Framing 101. Thisoldhouse.com, Publish Date not listed

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/walls/119593/partition-wall-framing

Fix This House does a great job of explaining the do's and don'ts of stud modifications. Understanding how and when you should perform notching and drilling holes is critical in the structural stability of a wall. Take away too much and the entire structure could fail.

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It was quite some time into my schooling until I had to consider notching studs or drilling holes into them. But I do wish I was taught or performed this information sooner rather than later. I think starting out knowing and practicing these techniques helps embed them into your layout process and planning. Without these techniques all the stuff that runs behind your walls couldn't be there (wires, piping, HVAC ducking, and insulation). Knowing how to do it properly is critical.

CITATION

Fix This House - "Do’s And Don’ts When Drilling, Cutting & Notching A Hole Through Wood Stud Framing! | DIY Tips!" Fix this House, Youtube, 2022

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stIZABsoyK0