I'm putting a bathroom in my basement. I'm an Ironworker btw. I wanted to go with steel studs due to the fact that they are light, and I won't have a big mess. I live in the Chicago area and they should be easy to find. Here is my question. Are they not being used anymore? I ordered 100 studs from Lowe's but they didn't have track. The delivery guy was a retired Carpenter and he told me that I got all the studs they had, they no longer stock steel studs, and they don't have track. Am I missing something? Menards didn't have track either.
Ask a Carpenter friend where you can buy metal studs. There should be a large drywall supplier somewhere close to your area - they usually also stock metal studs and ceiling grid that sort of all goes together for contractors. You will have a choice of 20 or 25 gauge studs track. 25 gauge is pretty flimsy so I suggest using 20 gauge. Get a small box of tek screws to attach studs to track. Also get some self drilling drywall screws 1+5/8 for 5/8 thick gyp bd. or 1+1/4 for 1/2 gyp bd. I would also buy MR drywall (moisture resistant) for any work in a basement. Another tip : Buy some 1x4 composite trim boards to use for your bottom plate. Clean the slab good where you plates will go, then use some Liquid Nails hd and glue your plates down to the slab. That way you won't be drilling holes in the slab that could allow water to seep up through them. The composite trim will not wick moisture and it will keep your metal studs up off the floor should you ever have a water problem in the bathroom. Keep your drywall up off the floor about 1/2 by laying a scrap pc. of drywall against the plate before you hang the board. Allow enough room to line the perimeter of your door frame with 2x 4 vs. metal stud. It makes it easier installing the door and trim.
Steel studs are mainly for commercial applications on non bearing walls. 100 studs, must be one big assed bathroom. Do yourself a favor and install a pressure treated bottom plate, even if you use steel studs.
