Walls and Ceilings - Furring out Basement Ceiling with Metal Studs

Hello,
I'm working on a basement that previously had a dropped ceiling because all plumbing was run on the underside of the floor joists. I'm putting in a drywall ceiling but I need to furr out the joists at least 3" to clear all plumbing. Is it acceptable to to attach 3 5/8” metal studs to the wooden floor joists and hang the drywall from these studs? I realize that I’ll have to add blocking between the rows of studs to keep them plumb, but I was just wondering if this method has been done by anyone here and been successful?

Thank You

Welcome to the forums! How do you propose to attach the studs to the existing framing? That will help us with further answers.

I was just going to go with some 2 1/4" wood screws where the stud hits each existing joist. It would be a little pain to get through the metal, but at least it would anchor into the wood better.

Checked my tape measure, and 2 1/4" screws won't go through a 3 5/8" stud on edge. Have you considered using plumbing strapping wrapped around the stud and up onto the joist and screwed into the joist on both sides?

Let me clarify, I'm using 3 5/8" metal studs for furring, not 3 1/2" wood studs. The screws would go through the top flange of the metal stud and into the joist.

Nope will not work! Metal studs are for vertical placement only. Standing up. The U shape gives it the strength. The wallboard holds it from twisting. Regardless the length of the screw used there is still only less than 1/16 inch of metal holding it up.
Screw new 2x6 along the side of the floor joist if you must have drywall ceiling, But remember all that stuff you are covering up will at some time need attention.
That is why most are suspended ceilings, to allow acess. You can cut drywall to fit into the ceiling track and paint all of it one color to mask the grid.

Nope will not work! Metal studs are for vertical placement only. Standing up.


Not true. Metal studs can be run horizontally when framing ceilings in small rooms (bathroom, closet, small rooms, etc). They need proper placement and support members (strongbacks, kickers, ceiling wires, etc).

Metal studs are also used when framing soffits, again running horizontally.

Metal studs can also be used for framing floors.

Have to check around with your drywall store but there is a metal drop ceiling for drywall. It installs similar to a drop ceiling with tiles but you screw drywall to it. your idea would work if you put support between the metal to keep it from twisting.

coops28 has the best idea here. If you need this clearance the drop ceiling using drywall sounds like a plan.

coops28 is right as well on going to a specialty drywall store to find these.