Framing & Drywall

When should I choose steel studs versus wood studs for framing?

Steel studs are lighter, dimensionally consistent, and don't warp or rot - making them ideal for non-load-bearing interior partitions, especially in basements where moisture is a concern. Wood studs are better for load-bearing walls, walls that need to support heavy items like cabinets, or walls where you'll be nailing trim directly. We assess the application and advise accordingly.

What drywall thickness is used for walls versus ceilings?

Standard walls use 1/2" drywall for most residential applications. Ceilings use 5/8" drywall to reduce sag between joists and for better sound control between floors. Fire-rated assemblies (like garage-to-home walls) require 5/8" Type X drywall on the garage side. Bathrooms and wet areas use moisture-resistant drywall before the cement board or waterproofing system.

How many coats of joint compound are applied and how long does taping take?

Three coats are standard: a tape coat, a filler coat, and a finish coat. Each coat needs 24 hours to dry, and we sand between each coat. A standard room of taping and finishing takes 3-4 days from first coat to ready-for-paint. Skim-coat finishing over existing walls adds a day. We don't rush drying - shrinkage cracks from rushing are a pain to fix later.

How long before walls are ready to paint after drywall finishing?

After the final sand, walls need to be primed before painting - painting directly over sanded drywall compound causes uneven sheen. After primer, walls can be painted the next day. Total time from last coat of compound to finished painting is usually 3-5 days including primer and two finish coats.