WHY DOES EVERY STUD SEEM TO BE WARPED THESE DAYS?
I get what you’re saying about steel studs, but honestly, I’ve seen them create new headaches too—especially when you’re trying to hang anything heavy or run electrical. There’s something about the warmth and feel of wood that’s tough to give up, even if it’s not always perfect. I do think some of the warping comes from how fast lumber is being processed these days, but I’ve had better luck working with smaller local yards. They sometimes take better care with storage, even if the price is a bit higher.
WHY DOES EVERY STUD SEEM TO BE WARPED THESE DAYS?
I get the appeal of wood, but honestly, I’ve switched to steel for most of my high-end projects and haven’t looked back. Sure, there’s a learning curve, and you need the right fasteners, but the consistency is hard to beat. Hanging heavy stuff just means using the right anchors. I do miss the feel of wood sometimes, but after dealing with too many twisted studs—even from the pricier yards—I’ll take straight walls over nostalgia any day.
WHY DOES EVERY STUD SEEM TO BE WARPED THESE DAYS?
Totally agree, the straightness of steel studs is a game-changer for finish work. I do find the noise transfer a bit higher with steel, though—maybe it’s just my framing technique. Still, fighting with bowed lumber just isn’t worth it anymore.
WHY DOES EVERY STUD SEEM TO BE WARPED THESE DAYS?
You’re not alone in feeling that frustration. I’ve walked jobs where it seems like every third stud needs to be tossed. Steel’s straightness really does help with those finishes, but yeah, sound can be an issue—have you tried any of the sound-dampening strips or insulation? Sometimes it’s just a trade-off... Do you think the lumber quality will ever bounce back, or is this just the new normal?
WHY DOES EVERY STUD SEEM TO BE WARPED THESE DAYS?
I remember when we could count on a lift of studs to be mostly straight—now it feels like a lottery. I’ve had to rethink layouts mid-project because of it. Honestly, I doubt we’ll see the old quality again unless the industry changes its priorities. It’s wild how much time gets wasted just sorting through piles for something usable...
