I was asking our contractors about these metal studs. I’ve wondered since I first saw them why builders use aluminum studs. Cheaper?

First, I learned they are not aluminum, but rather galvanized steel. Second, they aren’t any cheaper (bummer), but they do span longer stretches without any warp than wood, they are more consistent, and lighter to transport to the job site. These make them the choice for commercial jobs.

And if construction just isn’t your thing, and you’ve barely made it to this point, studs are those vertical members, the silver sticks in the picture. They support walls. So soon that wall of silver will be a real wall. Can’t wait.