I am currently finishing my walk-out basement, which is approximately 1600' and has 11' ceilings (to the joists). Because of the joist height, I can drop down the ceiling to 8 1/2' and have a flat ceiling throughout the basement. What I started to do, is, where possible, I have layed the 12' steel studs of edge, resting them on the framed walls or attached them to the vertical wall studs, and then attached an 18" stud vertically every 3', from the 12' ceiling stud to the floor joist above. I also layed flat and connected an addtional 2x4 steel stud (running across all of the studs) on top of the ceiling studs to prevent any twisting mid-span. After completing one room in this manner, the ceiling assembly appears to be very sturdy and solid (it looks like a grid). Is this method OK, or is there any additional tips and/or advice that would assist me in my efforts? (I plan on using 1/4" drywall on the ceilings to reduce the weight and stress on the floor joists, as well.) Thanks in advance for your time and feedback.

Ted

 

Augusta13,

You really doing a job down in your lower level! Traditionally, used more so now in residential than ever before, there is a Gypsum Wallboard Suspended Ceiling Grid that is being used;

http://www.usg.com/expert_advice/pdf/Chapter_01.pdf (See page 19)

You have done the same thing but the cost is much more than you needed to spend, unless you looked into this beforehand. It also is much easier with this grid system as well as being lighter than handling steel studs. As with these systems, they are designed to be hung and handle up to 5/8" drywall with ease. The weight is irrelevant to a floor joist attachment since it is dispersed over the entire area.

I really can't add anything to what you have done. All that you said seems to be fine but this is an unusual application with use of steel studs. You sure have a tall ceiling!

Good Luck!