Metal framing systems
| System | What it does |
|---|---|
| Metal stud and track | Partition walls. C studs in 50, 70, 92 and 146mm, lengths from 2.4m to 6.0m, with matching 52, 72, 94 and 148mm track. I studs and Gypframe AcouStuds for taller or acoustic walls |
| MF ceiling system | Suspended ceilings. MF5 ceiling section (top hat), MF7 primary support channel, MF6 perimeter channel, MF8 strap hangers and MF9 connecting clips |
| Wall lining system | Dry lining a masonry wall on a metal frame. GL1 lining channel, GL8 track and GL2 / GL9 brackets |
| Resilient bars | Isolating the plasterboard from joists or studs to cut noise transfer. RB1 45 x 16mm x 3.0m, singly or in 50-length packs |
Metal stud partition wall: the basic detail
Track is fixed to the floor and the ceiling at 600mm centres. C studs stand in the track at 600mm centres and are boarded on both sides. A 70mm stud in 72mm track with one layer of 12.5mm plasterboard each side gives a wall 97mm thick. Use 50mm stud where space is tight, and 92mm or 146mm stud, or studs at closer centres, for taller walls. Mineral wool between the studs improves the sound and thermal performance: see acoustic insulation.
Metal frame (MF) ceilings
An MF ceiling is a suspended metal frame that plasterboard is screwed to. MF6 perimeter channel runs round the walls, MF7 primary support channels hang from the structure above, and MF5 ceiling sections are clipped across them with MF9 connecting clips to take the board. MF5, MF6 and MF7 come in 3.6m lengths, singly or in 50-length packs.
Libra / Hadley or Gypframe?
Both are galvanised steel sections. Libra / Hadley C studs are 50, 70, 92 and 146mm wide; Gypframe C studs are 48, 60, 70, 92 and 146mm. Libra / Hadley is the lower-priced range. If your specification names a British Gypsum system, order Gypframe.
Metal framing guides
For more detail, read our guides to metal stud sizes in the UK, C-stud and track components, the materials for a metal stud partition wall and MF ceiling components: MF5, MF6 and MF7.
