Turned onto steel framing by a coworker. Part of a wall will extend into a shower enclosure. I will be putting green board over it and then tiling. The coworker seemed to recall using steel in a shower enclosure was problematic due to temperature changes. Anyone have any experience using this and comment further one way or another in regards to using steel framing for a shower? In addition, does anybody see a problem with sheetrocking a ceiling over existing sheetrock? If I pull the existing sheetrock down I have this powdery insulation that is about 2 feet deep that will create a massive mess as it comes raining down.
Use steel framing in a shower enclosure
framing
Related Solutions
If the ceiling is not structural and is only there to hold up the drywall, you can get away with using 2x4s. 2x4s at 16" on center should easily span 11', while supporting only drywall.
Basically your going to support the ceiling rafters with the walls, so you end up with a structure like this crude MS Paint image.
The basic idea is to build a room inside your room.
If you are planning on using recessed lighting or HVAC ducting in the space, you may want to go with 2x6s for the joists (to allow enough room to install everything).
If the ceiling joists are going to be load bearing (especially if they are supporting the parking surface of your garage), you'll want to consult a structural engineer (and you'll likely end up using I-beams tied into the concrete walls as joists).
You can't frame out in 1x3 especially in a basement. It is just too flimsy and and warping with probably make it brittle. If you want to save an inch or two (which you will never notice) then please frame in 2x3. You won't have any issues with 2x3s (other than having to install shallow electrical boxes in some cases).
Note: Watched the video on the grid system. I am sorry but this just seems very ill advised to me. I have a list of problems I have with it (these are just some off the top of my head):
- it's not faster or cheaper than installing traditional 2x3 (2x4) walls
- it saves you maybe 1/2 inch per wall.
- my biggest peeve is that you are drilling tons of holes in your foundation. I just can't believe someone would do this
- your insulation is now a support structure since your 1x3 will bend and rest on it
- not even sure if running romex behind would be code (doubt it would get passed in my area)
- basement walls usually aren't flat (and if they are they don't usually stay flat). So when framing I pop out at the bulge you would just be drywalling there.
Best Answer
I've used steel studs in bathrooms many times. The temperature never seemed to be a determining factor. I personally would hesitate using green board and would use one of the many cement board, wonder boards, that are out there. Structurally, they are much better than the green board and will last longer. Also think about using a water proof coating like Red Guard in the shower areas. There's no problem with adding sheet rock over sheet rock. Just go wall to wall for appearances. You'll need longer screws and will need junction box extenders for any fixtures.