Metal vs Timber Stud Framing Compared

Metal studs (C-sections) cost slightly more per linear metre than timber — typically £2-4 per stud vs £1.50-3 for timber. However, metal is faster to install (self-tapping screws vs nailing), produces less waste, and does not warp or twist. For large commercial projects, the speed advantage often makes metal cheaper overall. For small domestic jobs, timber is usually more economical.

Metal studs are non-combustible and contribute significantly to fire-rated partition systems. A standard metal stud partition with 2 layers of 15mm fire-rated plasterboard each side can achieve 120 minutes fire resistance. Timber stud partitions with the same boarding typically achieve 60 minutes. Metal is the standard choice for fire-rated walls in commercial buildings.

Metal studs with resilient bars or acoustic hangers generally outperform timber for sound insulation because the thin metal has less rigid coupling between board faces. A well-detailed metal stud partition can achieve Rw 55-65 dB. Timber partitions with resilient bars achieve Rw 48-55 dB. The thinner section of metal also allows thicker insulation in the cavity.

Yes, more than timber. Steel conducts heat approximately 400 times better than wood (~50 W/mK vs ~0.13 W/mK). In external walls, metal studs create significant thermal bridges that reduce the effective U-value of the wall. Thermal break strips or isolated stud systems are needed for external applications. For internal partitions, thermal bridging is generally not a concern.

Light gauge steel (LGS) framing can be load-bearing when properly engineered — it is common in light steel frame construction. However, standard metal studs (0.5-0.7mm thickness) used for partitions are non-load-bearing only. Load-bearing steel studs are typically 1.2-2.5mm thick and require structural engineering design. Timber studs are more commonly used for domestic load-bearing partitions.