Seek prices on metal studs from home improvement stores

If the project is a small one that can be handled in-house, you may wish to contact a home improvement store for prices. Expect standard sizes in metal studs like those for wooden ones. Be aware that many metal studs cannot be used in load-bearing situations, such as supporting a roof. In addition, for drywall metal stud, you'll need fine-thread drywall screws.

I recommend: Lowe's sells load-bearing metal stud and steel stud; gauge which size will work for your project. Prices vary by location, and not all Lowe's stores carry these. The fastenMSC.com site sells fine thread drywall screws designed for use in metal studs; you can buy 5-pound packages and bulk packages. At fastenMSC.com, you can buy a 5-pound package of screws from 1¼ inches to 3 inches for less than $15. McFeely’s sells various sizes of fine-thread drywall screws for steel studs, ranging from 1 inch to 3½ inches, in boxes containing 100 or 1,000; prices range from less than $12 for 1,000 1-inch screws to about $265 for 3½-inch bugle head screws.

Seek prices on metal framing studs for doors and windows

Your construction project likely will include doors or windows. For the framework surrounding them, you can purchase premade steel frames or you can order parts for the construction project. By ordering, you can be sure the channel and sides fit the window or door you have purchased.

I recommend: Speedy Metals sells metal framing studs for construction of window and door frames; sizes of studs vary from ¾ inch for the channel to 2½ inches. A 24-inch length costs less than $7, with longer lengths costing more. The Backyard Store Company carries an overstock of construction materials, including steel studs and steel frames for doors of 16 gauge steel; the door frames go along with the doors, which range in price from $175 to $350.

Send a submittal form to a manufacturer on your steed stud requirements

On complex construction projects, one-size-fits-all won't do for steel or metal studs. Manufacturers will produce to your specifications, but you must provide the details. To manufacture the studs in the correct gauge, the manufacturer must know details such as stud spacing, wall height, deflection limitations and the lateral load.

I recommend: Submit a request to the Steel Network for its steel stud prices on its proprietary PrimeWall Stud, a drywall metal stud; click on the simple submittal builder tab. SCAFCO manufactures a jamb stud for load-bearing jambs, headers and trusses. Also click on the submittal tab on this page.