Drawbacks of Using Metal Studs versus Wood for Tiny House Construction
I got an email this morning from one of our readers, Kevin, of CozyHomePlans.com.
Lots of folks think about using metal studs for the construction of tiny houses because of the weight advantages.
Although it’s becoming well-known that the screws can come loose when you tow your tiny house due to the vibration.
So there are some disadvantages to consider, as we’ve learned, and Kevin does a good job of summing it up for us.
Here it is for those of you who are interested in this issue.
Thanks Kevin! I’m passing it over to him:
Photo Credit iStockPhoto File # 4166193
Hey Alex,
Was catching up on THT this morning and saw the discussion on metal studs. Here is my comment but I was not sure if this was the right location for it. Is Dan is using metal or not? Just wanted to get your opinion first.
I am certainly not an expert with using metal studs. In my limited experience they would definitely not be my first choice, especially for the beginner builder of a tiny house. The metal structure is actually kind of flimsy, the sheathing “typically drywall” becomes an integral part of its stabilization during the whole building process. Unless you plan on using large pieces of wood for the interior/exterior siding, there will be no stabilizing core to hold the metal studs together. I have only used and seen metal studs in non load bearing applications, so look into using heavier gauge material for the overall frame. Fine thread screws will hold any material to a metal stud, but extra pressure needs to be applied because these are not self-tapping screws. Then you will have aesthetic issue of screw heads to deal with both inside and out. Another question would be in the insulating of the home. Due to the shape of the metal studs having a hollow center, additional consideration needs to be taken in the framing and filling of this cavity. All electrical should be run in flex conduit or at the minimum be shielded from the metal when running through and along the walls. This is a much more expensive and difficult way to run electricity, even in a tiny house. Do your homework because the expense and liability could easily outweigh the weight of wood.
Thanks, Kevin
By the way Dan uses wood for studs- no metal.
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The metal studs sold at the typical home improvement center are indeed meant for non-loadbearing interior partitions only.
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Alex Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 4:34 pm
Thanks Frank!
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There are heavier ” light metal framing ” available from most Lumber Yards which would be fine for a stationary Tiny House. Metal Studs screwed together are not good on a trailer .
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Alex Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 4:35 pm
Right on, Les, thank you!
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The tortoise shell homes use metal studs. And they seam to be well made, maybe using metal studs are not the best for do it your self tho. I do like the ideal of being less weight,
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Alex Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 4:35 pm
Good point Victor. I’ve thought about them, too, and remember they use them. I am sure they find some way of preventing the issues associated. It’d be interesting to know how.
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Certainly light gauge metal studs sold in most of the big box stores would be a poor choice for structual walls. However 16 or 18 gauge metal studs from a commercial construction supply house are an excellent choice if planned for and fastened correctly. They can not only be connected with fastners but can also be welded. The most important part of any build is having a good plan. With a good plan you can introduce most any material to a build.
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Alex Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 4:36 pm
Thanks, Tim
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Simple solution for using heavy “load bearing” type metal studs–use bolts instead of sheet metal screws. A little more expense, and labor due to pre-drilling each hole, but you get a stronger structure. I would avdvise against trying to spot weld them as the galvanized coating will vaporize and give off toxic, sometimes fatal gasses. And, it creates an immediate site for rust formation.
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Alex Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 4:36 pm
Great advice, Mark, thank you
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I like angle iron as one can also build rafters and weld all together as a unit. That way if a wind storm hits real security is at hand. It can also frame a door such that it is very difficult to violate the door by a thief.
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Alex Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 4:37 pm
Interesting. Thanks, Jim!
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Steel, of course is also a non-renewable resource, now usually produced overseas and uses a lot of energy in its production. Steel conducts heat and cold far better than wood so you would have a harder time keeper your home cool or heated. And wifi signals have a harder time penetrating steel cages.
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Alex Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 4:37 pm
Thanks for the insights Steve!
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Will you metal trailer frame steel work for the mini house. Your Steel Works studs are information from your tear drop trailer ad from your following web site:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BD5IBM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tinhouliv-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000BD5IBM
I AM SERIOUS CAN I HAVE THIS SMALL HOUSE BUILT WITH THESE STEEL WORK STUDS?
MY EMAIL IS t.l.schmitt@att.net
Again please respond. I am ready to build…..eigther a permanent or mobile Tiny House.
Regards,
Tommy Schmitt
281 917 1754
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Alex Reply:
February 5th, 2012 at 1:03 pm
Hey Tommy, check this site out. It’s for trailer plans if you’re going to go mobile. I’d get the scoop on that before you order the metal because I’m not all the way sure.
So I found some trailer plans. There’s more to check out, too, if you search “utility trailer plans” and “utility trailer axle kits”.
http://www.trailerplans.com/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=6&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2
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The metal studs used in housing are not right for a tiny home. Simple angle iron can work just fine. Weld the shape of the home such that the floor, the walls and the roof all connect to the shape you desire. Apply wood strips to the flat edge of the angle iron to make it easy to attach ceiling or interior and exterior wall panels. Inch and a quarter by inch and a quarter angle iron should be about right. The thickness is up to you or whatever code you are trying to meet. Running half inch conduit for interior wiring requires drilling holes for passing the conduit along. For those used to working with metal this is an easy way to go. Three quarter inch foam insulation all around should be enough in a small dwelling. Easy to heat and cool are important. In camping like areas the ability of a roof to take a hard hit from tree debris or a falling coconut is vital. These days materials cost too much and you want the build to last longer than you will ever need it.
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