Is metal stud framing cheaper than timber?

Metal studs (C-sections) cost slightly more per linear metre than timber — typically £2-4 per stud vs £1.50-3 for timber. However, metal is faster to install (self-tapping screws vs nailing), produces less waste, and does not warp or twist. For large commercial projects, the speed advantage often makes metal cheaper overall. For small domestic jobs, timber is usually more economical.

Which has better fire resistance?

Metal studs are non-combustible and contribute significantly to fire-rated partition systems. A standard metal stud partition with 2 layers of 15mm fire-rated plasterboard each side can achieve 120 minutes fire resistance. Timber stud partitions with the same boarding typically achieve 60 minutes. Metal is the standard choice for fire-rated walls in commercial buildings.

Which provides better sound insulation?

Metal studs with resilient bars or acoustic hangers generally outperform timber for sound insulation because the thin metal has less rigid coupling between board faces. A well-detailed metal stud partition can achieve Rw 55-65 dB. Timber partitions with resilient bars achieve Rw 48-55 dB. The thinner section of metal also allows thicker insulation in the cavity.

Does metal stud framing cause thermal bridging?

Yes, more than timber. Steel conducts heat approximately 400 times better than wood (~50 W/mK vs ~0.13 W/mK). In external walls, metal studs create significant thermal bridges that reduce the effective U-value of the wall. Thermal break strips or isolated stud systems are needed for external applications. For internal partitions, thermal bridging is generally not a concern.

Can I use metal studs for load-bearing walls?

Light gauge steel (LGS) framing can be load-bearing when properly engineered — it is common in light steel frame construction. However, standard metal studs (0.5-0.7mm thickness) used for partitions are non-load-bearing only. Load-bearing steel studs are typically 1.2-2.5mm thick and require structural engineering design. Timber studs are more commonly used for domestic load-bearing partitions.

Metal vs Timber Stud Framing Compared

Compare metal (galvanised steel) stud framing with timber studwork for UK partitions and walls, covering cost, fire rating, acoustic and thermal performance.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Metal Stud (C-Section)	Timber Stud
Material cost per stud	£2-4	£1.50-3
Installation speed	Fast — screw-fixed	Moderate — nailed/screwed
Fire rating potential	Up to 120 mins	Up to 60 mins
Acoustic performance	Rw 55-65 dB	Rw 48-55 dB
Thermal bridging	High (steel conducts heat)	Low
Warping/movement	None	Can warp/twist if not dried
Load-bearing	Only with LGS (engineered)	Yes (standard studwork)
Common use	Commercial, fire-rated walls	Domestic partitions

When to Choose Metal Studs

Fire-rated partitions requiring 60+ minutes resistance
Commercial and multi-occupancy buildings
High acoustic performance required (Part E, cinemas, studios)
Large projects where speed and consistency matter
Damp environments where timber might rot

When to Choose Timber Studs

Domestic partitions and home extensions
Load-bearing internal walls
External walls where thermal bridging is a concern
Small jobs where material cost matters more than speed
Where heavy items will be fixed to the wall (timber provides better screw-holding)

Related Calculators

Use the Stud Wall Calculator for timber studwork, or the Metal Stud Calculator for steel framing quantities.

How We Calculate This

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: April 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.

Metal vs Timber Stud Framing Compared

Side-by-Side Comparison

When to Choose Metal Studs

When to Choose Timber Studs

Related Calculators

How We Calculate This

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Composite vs Timber Decking

Render vs Plaster

Copper vs Plastic Pipe

Brick vs Block Walls