I hear you on the metal framing hesitation—upfront cost can be tough to swallow. One thing I've tried that's helped a bit is going with engineered lumber (LVLs or LSL studs) in critical spots like kitchen walls or bathrooms. They're pricier than standard studs but way more stable dimensionally, especially if humidity swings are an issue. Might be worth mixing them in selectively rather than doing a full metal frame...just something to consider next time around.
I've thought about engineered lumber too, but honestly, does the extra stability really justify the extra cost in most cases? I'm always trying to stretch my budget, and even selectively using LVLs or LSL studs can add up surprisingly fast. Still, I get what you're saying about humidity swings—had a bathroom wall twist on me pretty badly last summer after framing with regular lumber. Maybe just a few engineered studs here and there would've saved me some headaches down the road...
Anyway, your suggestion makes sense—mixing in better quality materials only where it counts. Definitely something I'll consider next time I'm planning a project. Have you noticed any significant difference in how the drywall finishes over engineered studs compared to standard lumber? Just curious if that added stability translates into easier finishing or fewer drywall cracks later on.
"Have you noticed any significant difference in how the drywall finishes over engineered studs compared to standard lumber?"
I've mixed in LVLs selectively before, and honestly, drywall finishing felt about the same. But I did notice fewer cracks popping up later—especially around doorways. Might've been coincidence, but seemed worth it overall...
I've been wondering about this too—does the reduced cracking justify the extra cost of engineered studs? If it's mainly around doorways, maybe selectively using LVLs there could be a good compromise to keep costs down...
"If it's mainly around doorways, maybe selectively using LVLs there could be a good compromise to keep costs down..."
I see where you're coming from, but honestly, the issue isn't just limited to doorways. I've noticed that even areas away from openings can warp or bow significantly over time, especially with fluctuating humidity levels. Instead of selectively using LVLs, perhaps investing in better drying practices or sourcing higher-quality kiln-dried lumber upfront might be more effective overall. It could strike a good balance between cost and long-term stability...
