After reading the heck out of this thread - I am left with only a couple of questions, and many good decisions. I am in a new construction home with a poured concrete basement that has been dry thus far (will wait out the spring before I begin).

I am attracted to the steel framing for its ease and lower cost. I have learned that I should use a basement treated wood stud at the bottom track so I have something to nail the baseboards into.

I am intimidated by drywalling, and like the look of panelling - so I am willing to pay the higher price (15 vs. 6 bucks) for the panelling (I figure I need only about 40 sheets - so the difference is only a few hundred bucks - hopefully I'll save that in the steel purchase)

Problem #1- can I even use panelling with steel framing?? With wood - I can buy panel colored nails which won't be visible. I don't plan on painting the panelling - so will the screws required for the steel framing look terrible on the panelling?

Problem #2 - insulation - how do I attach insulation to the steel frame? The flanges normally get stapled to the wood studs...but here I'm out of luck. Do I just tape and let the screws do the job when I put up the walls???

 

Not sure about the answer to #1 (I chickened out and hired someone to hang and finish the drywall). For insulation, I found a place to get insulation batts that are a full 16" wide. It is made specifically for steel stud walls (insulation for wood stud walls is only 14.5" wide). This insulation fit snugly enough between the studs that friction holds it up without additional fasteners.

The only problem is that the wider insulation is not usually available at home centers, you will need to find a real building supply yard, preferably one catering to commercial construction.

 

Not a bad idea....how much was the drywall guy?

 

He charged $1.00 per square foot (we had 1800 sq. ft.). He took care of drywall ordering, delivery, hanging, and finishing (ready for paint). Also made suggestions as to how I could improve my framing before he started.

I did have a hard time getting somebody - construction is very hot around here. This guy specializes in remodels, mainly basements. He had a two month waiting list from when I gave him a deposit and when he could start (gave me time to finish my end of it).