Thinnest possible wall?

Hi,

I am really restricted in space so I was hoping to reduce the wall thickness.

I know about use 2X3 studs as opposed to 2X4, but I was hoping to reduce even more.

What can you suggest?

Here's a wild thought, tell me what you think: Use metal framing, but turned 90degree (still in the vertical position). Since, like a wood 2X4, metal studs are not strong in that direction, I would use 2 of them, faced to face, creating a box just like a 2X4 to add strength. Then I could use drywall sheets of 5/8'' thick.
That gives me 1.5'' + 5/8'' = roughly 2.125'' wall thick.

This would be for short walls, less than 60''.

Now here's another twist: this is to box an electrical panel. So it's a 40X60 box (inside dimensions), in a bathroom with shower. Do I have to use cement sheets on that box? The shower wall will be 32'' away (shower head 62'' away), but a sink will be right close to these walls. I think I will anyway, and cover the cement sheets with 1/2'' drywall for aesthetic. Unless you know of an easier way?


Thanks,

Nick

 

It's not legal to have a panel box in a bathroom or bedroom.
Ceiling Height
2006 IRC Section R305: All ceilings must have a minimum height of seven (7) feet including kitchens, baths, hall, closets, etc. For a sloped ceiling, at least 50% of the floor area must have seven (7) foot ceiling height or higher. The floor area is measured from where the ceiling is at least 5 feet high.

 

Mobile homes often use 1x2 and 2x2 interior walls so it isn't unheard of to use a wall that thin. You only need cement board in the areas that are expected to get wet.

 

Hi,

Sorry, by a box I meant like a closet, walls from floor to ceiling.


Nick

 

If that "box" is inside the defined walls of a bathroom, or conjoined walls between bedroom and bath, it won't fly. Make sure we fully understand what your entire project entails. Pictures will help.

 

Hi,

I did not take any pictures, all you would see is an electrical panel 2 feet away from a corner, unfinished basement walls.

I found another way. You can actually buy metal studs that are 1 5/8'' wide (in a C shape, like the metal 2X4). Tracks come with that and all. They told me one stud every 16'' is enough, but I might do 12''. 1 5/8'' studs seems small. Then I would cover that with 5/8'' drywall (moist resistant in my case). Total of 2 1/4''.

The only problem is you need more drywall screws than usual. They recommend every 8''. But that is not a huge deal

You can get some with knurled flange which I recommend. Gauges from 20 to 25 for the 1 5/8''.

Nick

 

The small metal studs are the type you see in closets, bathrooms, and such on commercial work like strip malls. At least I think so.