The short comparison
- Straightness: metal stays straight; timber can twist and shrink as it dries, which cracks joints.
- Speed: metal is faster to set out and build, especially on long runs and commercial jobs.
- Fire & sound: metal stud systems come with manufacturer-tested ratings; timber can be rated too, but fewer tested options exist.
- Fixings: timber takes a screw anywhere; metal needs noggins or pattresses planned for heavy items.
- Moisture: metal is unaffected by damp; timber needs to be dry and treated where required.
When metal stud is the right call
Commercial fit-outs, flats, new-build housing, loft conversions and any wall that needs a fire or acoustic rating. Because the performance comes from a tested system, Building Control can sign it off with confidence as long as it's built exactly to spec.
When timber still makes sense
A single short wall in a house where a carpenter is already on site, or where the wall needs to carry lots of heavy fixings in unknown positions. Timber should be kiln-dried and stored dry on site, otherwise shrinkage shows as cracks in the corners after the heating goes on.
Heavy items on a metal stud wall
Kitchen units, radiators, wall-hung toilets, TVs and handrails all need something solid behind the board. We fit plywood pattresses or timber noggins between the studs at the right height before boarding — so mark up where things will go before we close the wall.
Related services
Metal Stud Partitions
Stud & track partitions to any spec — standard, acoustic and fire-rated.
Fire & Acoustic Systems
Fire-rated and sound-insulated walls and ceilings built to tested systems.
Published 29 October 2026 by BBS Drylining Specialists Ltd.