Can I hang drywall from metal studs?

Hanging drywall from metal studs is absolutely possible and commonly done in construction. Metal studs provide a solid, stable framework for installing drywall that can result in smooth walls and ceilings.

Can You Screw Drywall into Metal Studs?

Yes, you can securely fasten drywall to metal studs using drywall screws. Here are some tips for screwing drywall to metal studs:

• Use coarse thread drywall screws that are 1 1/4″ to 1 5/8″ long. The coarse threading grips the metal studs better.
• Pre-drill holes into the metal studs first using a 5/32″ drill bit before driving in screws. This prevents the studs from deforming.
• Drive screws every 12″ to 16″ along the framing to securely fasten the drywall.
• Avoid over-driving screws which can damage the paper face of the drywall. Screw until just below the surface.
• Apply extra screws around cutouts for electrical boxes and other openings.

Can You Nail Drywall to Metal Studs?

Nailing drywall directly to metal studs is not recommended. Drywall nails do not offer a secure enough hold in the thin gauge metal of studs. The nails can easily pull loose or pop through the surface.

Screws provide a much tighter grip in metal studs compared to nails. If you need to nail the perimeter edges of drywall sheets, use adhesive between the drywall and studs first to reinforce the connection.

What Type of Drywall Screws for Metal Studs?

Use self-tapping drywall screws that are specifically designed for attaching drywall to metal studs. Here are some recommended types:

• Type S bugle head screws – sharp pointed with deep threads
• Type S needle point screws – extremely sharp tip for penetrating metal
• Coarse thread for gripping metal studs
• 1 1/4″ size for 20 gauge metal studs
• 1 5/8″ size for 25 gauge metal studs

Avoid using finer threaded screws intended for wood studs. They will not grip adequately in metal.

How Far Apart to Screw Drywall to Metal Studs?

Drywall should be screwed into metal studs every 12″ to 16″ horizontally depending on the location:

• Walls – Every 12″ to 16″ along framing
• Ceilings – Every 12″ along framing
• High moisture areas – Every 12″ along studs
• Around openings – Every 8″ to 12″

This spacing ensures the drywall is securely fastened. For best results, stagger the location of screws on adjacent studs.

Drywall Screw Pattern for Metal Studs

Here is a recommended screw pattern:

Stud Location	Screw Placement
At corners and openings	8″ to 12″ apart
Wall field area	Every 16″ horizontally
Ceiling field area	Every 12″ horizontally
High moisture areas	Every 12″ horizontally

Do You Need to Pre-Drill for Metal Studs?

It is highly recommended to pre-drill pilot holes in metal studs before driving screws. This prevents the studs from deforming or puckering when screws are forced in.

Use a 5/32″ drill bit to pre-drill holes in 20 or 25 gauge metal studs. This provides a clearance hole for drywall screws.

Pre-drilling also allows screws to thread directly into studs for a more secure hold. Driving screws into metal studs without a pilot hole first can damage the integrity of the metal.

Can I Combine Screws and Adhesive?

Using both screws and adhesive is an excellent way to hang drywall on metal studs. Here are some benefits:

• Adhesive bonds drywall to studs for added strength
• Prevents screws from loosening over time
• Reduces chance of popping screws
• Creates a flatter, smoother drywall surface
• Allows framing irregularities to be filled

Apply a continuous bead of drywall adhesive along studs before positioning the drywall. Then secure the drywall with screws as usual.

Best Drywall Adhesive for Metal Studs

Look for an adhesive made specifically for drywall that offers strong holding power. Here are some top choices:

• Loctite Power Grab Drywall Adhesive – construction-grade, water-based adhesive
• Liquid Nails Drywall Adhesive – bonds to a variety of building materials
• Gorilla Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive – extremely strong bond
• Loctite PL Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive – water resistant and long lasting

Avoid lightweight glues which lack the bonding power for drywall. A construction-grade adhesive formulated for building materials is best.

How to Attach Drywall to Top and Bottom Plates

Attaching drywall to metal top and bottom plates requires a strategic fastening method. Here are some recommendations:

• Pre-drill clearance holes in the plates to prevent deforming from screws.
• Apply a continuous bead of drywall adhesive on plates first.
• Drive screws every 8″ to 12″ along plates.
• Stagger the location of screws between stud bays.
• Apply extra screws at corner seams for strength.
• Keep screws at least 3/8″ from plate edges.

Adhesive combined with frequent screws prevents the drywall edges from cracking at plates. Staggering screws avoids stress cracking between studs.

Drywall Orientation for Metal Studs

Position drywall sheets vertically when installing on walls. This provides the most strength since joints do not align with framing. On ceilings, install drywall horizontally across joists.

Vertical seams should fall at stud locations. Stagger all end joints between sheets and do not align with openings. Avoid butt joints which require extra labor and materials.

Recommended Drywall Orientation:

Walls:

• Install vertically
• Joints fall along studs
• Stagger seams from opposite sides

Ceilings:

• Install perpendicular across framing
• End joints staggered from opposite sides

Proper sheet orientation provides the best drying joint strength on walls and prevents sagging on ceilings.

Is Backblocking Required for Metal Studs?

Backblocking refers to horizontal braces installed between vertical studs. While not always required, backblocking offers some advantages when using metal studs:

• Adds extra shear strength and rigidity to framing
• Helps prevent twisting or racking of studs
• Provides more screw backing at drywall seams
• Minimizes sound transmission through walls

For tall walls over 10 feet, backblocking is recommended every 4 to 5 feet up framing. This supplements the strength of metal studs.

In room corners, a vertical backblocking stud will provide backing for drywall edges. Backblocking may also be specified on load-bearing walls or required by local building codes.

Corner Bead for Metal Stud Drywall

Corner beads reinforce and protect outside drywall corners. Plastic corner beads with perforated flanges are recommended for metal stud walls. Here are some benefits:

• Perforations allow increased bonding to drywall
• Narrow flanges reduce distortion from metal heat transfer
• Bends evenly around corners without crimping
• More economical than metal corner beads

Attach plastic corner beads with drywall screws into the metal studs or backblocking every 8″ to 12″. This provides a durable corner that won’t crack under normal impacts.

How to Insulate Metal Stud Walls

Insulating metal stud walls requires a snug fitting insulation between studs to limit air gaps. Here are some tips:

• Use fiberglass batt insulation sized for metal stud bays.
• Place insulation behind electrical boxes.
• Seal gaps around openings with spray foam.
• Use acoustical sealant around outlets to reduce sound transmission.
• Tape plastic insulation covers over large openings.
• Caulk and seal drywall for an airtight assembly.

Proper insulation installation is key to optimizing energy efficiency and controlling sound transfer through metal stud walls.

Fire Code Requirements for Metal Framing

Metal framing must meet certain fire protection standards per building codes. Here are common requirements:

• Use fire-retardant treated wood blocking at wall openings.
• Protect beams and posts with fire-rated spray protection.
• Install fire caulking or putty pads at partition wall connections.
• Apply fire-rated joint tape at drywall seams.
• Seal penetrations through fire-rated assemblies.
• Wrap structural steel columns with fire-rated materials.

These measures contain the spread of fire and smoke through concealed metal stud cavities. Your local building department can provide specific fire protection details for metal framing assemblies.

Conclusion

Hanging drywall on metal studs is an effective construction method that allows for durable, fire-resistant wall and ceiling finishes. By using proper drywall screws, adequate fastener spacing, and reinforcing techniques like backblocking and adhesive, drywall can be securely installed on metal stud frames. Following best practices for orientation, insulation, fireproofing, and accessories like corner bead will result in professional finished results.