What do you think is the way to stud out a basement, Steel or Wood? What are the advantages or disadvantages of one versus another? Also, I have never worked with steel but is it possible to frame around duct work, pipes etc. with steel.

Any thought whould be appreciated.

 

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Some claim the issue of thermal bridging is important when considering to use steel for exterior walls. Go to your favorite search engine and type in: steel vs wood studs. You will find many articles discussing this issue.

 

The steel will be a little less expensive, however if you have never worked with steel studs before, better go with the wood.
You can actually do more with the wood. Good Luck

 

well, i guess if your a contractor you know more about the subject than I, but i like the metal studs better and have found them to be much more forgiving for a weekend warrior like myself. First and foremost its quiet, I have small children and since i have a full time job, most of the time i get to work on my basement project are late hours, so the use of tin snips vs. a saw is worth it right there for me. The other major factor that has led me to a world of peanut screws and pony clamps is, its forgiving! I dont have to be exact, and believe me, I AINT! Im a bit of a hack with incomplete knowledge of what im really doin, so being able to be 1/4 inch off here and there doesnt matter. Im mainly reffering to wall consturction. As far as versitile, i dunno but im in soffit build mode and the steel is wonderful since you can screw on the tinyst of edges. The thing i miss is the weight bearing ability of the wood, i am hybriding where i know ill put weight bearing shelves cabinets, i just back up the steel with a 2x3 that fits wonderfully in the track. Im also attempting the cross brace with the bottom track, see how that works for simple shelves. The price is cheaper, recently the homedeposityourmoney, had the bottom tracks for .75 cents, i think the studs are 1.19, and niether will shrink, rot or come twisted like my cousin kevin. The grommets are a bit expensive, for the wire runs. Oh, and its much lighter than wood, easily transports. Good Luck

 

I used steel studs in my baasement and a bro-in-law's basement.

To add to brakes comment: A regular 2x4 stud fits into the tracks like a steel stud. Attach with a 1.25 inch fine thread drywall screw.

I used wood studs on either side of my doors, but still used steel for the cripples.

To add to what Jack said: If you have a lot of experience with wood, then go with wood. The contruction techniques do vary. If you don't have much experience with wood, then use the steel.