What Gauge Metal Track Do You Need for Interior Walls?
Metal stud and track construction is increasing in popularity for interior framing in residential and commercial Canadian buildings. Steel’s smooth finish, resistance to termites, and dimensional stability are all positive attributes. But when it comes to the metal track specifically, how heavy (what gauge) you got a decision can influence the integrity, safety, and soundproofing of your interior walls. In this blog, we’ll demystify selecting the correct metal track gauge for your project, with Canadian construction needs in mind.
Grasping the Difference Between Track and Stud
Before we get into gauges, let’s establish the difference between metal track and metal studs. The studs are the vertical members that go up and down a wall frame. Tracks are the horizontal members (U-shaped channels) that go around top and bottom of the wall to support the studs.
Usually, the track will need to be in the same gauge as the stud in order to provide the same strength in the wall. Tracks come in varying gauge and sizes, but it requires some experience with the project requirements to know which to choose.
What Determines Which Gauge You’ll Need?
There are some important considerations that make your gauge selection when choosing an interior wall metal track worthwhile:
Structural Requirements:
The non-load-bearing walls could simply require light-gauge track, whereas structural or load-bearing walls would require more substantial gauges for support and stability.
Wall Height and Span:
Taller walls are under greater pressure and bending. Taller walls exceeding 3 meters require thicker gauges such as 18 or 16 to minimize flexing and cracking of drywall.
Lateral Loads:
If your walls were subjected to stress by doors, foot traffic, or air circulation (like in hallways), they may be required to have a more durable track to endure impact and movement.
Soundproofing Specifications:
In regions where noise reduction is crucial such as between offices or bedrooms bigger track and stud gauges will reduce vibration and sound transmission.
Code Compliance:
Canadian building codes, even those of the provinces of British Columbia and Ontario, frequently specify minimum thickness for non-load-bearing steel studs and tracks.
For instance, the majority of codes specify a minimum thickness of at least 0.46 mm (around 23 gauge) for interior partitions.
Gauge Options: Light Duty to Heavy Duty
Let’s walk through the sizes of the standard gauge and where each would be used:
Light Duty (25 to 20 Gauge, around 0.33 mm to 0.84 mm): These are the most popular range of track for non-load-bearing partitions in light commercial and residential homes.
For instance, you can utilize a 25-gauge track for interior partitions up to a height of 2.4 meters, particularly where there is no expected heavy weight or vibration. It is particularly suitable for closet partitions, home bedrooms, and office partitions.
Medium Duty (18 to 16 Gauge, roughly 0.84 mm to 1.2 mm):
This is used for greater partitions (3 to 4 meters) or where substantial support is required. If interior walls are going up in a business setting, a school setting, or an area where cabinets or heavy fixtures will be mounted, going to 18 or 16 gauge is a good idea.
Heavy Duty (14 Gauge and lighter, over 1.2 mm):
For extremely high walls, load-bearing frames, or where there is considerable impact or deflection involved, 14-gauge or even 12-gauge track is in order. These are seldom utilized for typical interior partitions but are utilized on a daily basis in industrial or structural construction.
Canadian Building Code Approach
All provinces in Canada use some form of the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC), but with provincial variations. For example, the building code in British Columbia requires interior, non-load-bearing wall studs to be no thinner than 0.46 mm, and that is about 23 gauge.
Even for a simple interior wall, it will need to be up to code minimums. If your wall will need to bear shelving, kitchen cabinets, or heavier drywall, you may need to go even thicker regardless of whether the wall is load-bearing.
Selecting the proper gauge impacts screw hold, nail pop resistance, and overall durability of the drywall in the long term. In colder parts of Canada, where heating and cooling cycles are more prone to generate movement within building materials, a heavier gauge will avoid cracking and movement in the long term.
Track to Stud: What to Search For
In order to offer structural support, the track gauge will usually need to be the same as the stud gauge.
For example, if you are using 20-gauge studs, you should use a 20-gauge track too. There are contractors who prefer using a little heavier track at the bottom plate of the wall to provide extra strength where the wall meets the floor.
Other considerations are:
- Leg Height: This is the measurement of how tall the sides (legs) of the U-shaped track are. Longer legs can offer more anchoring and assist with issues of sound or deflection.
- Deflection Tracks: For high walls or ceilings that tend to move, deflection tracks provide a small amount of wall movement without stressing the drywall or framing.
- Seismic Considerations: In areas of seismic activity, more specialized track with greater movement capability might be needed. This is more prevalent in British Columbia and some areas of Quebec.
A Real-Life Canadian Scenario: Office Wall in a Condo
Suppose you’re constructing an interior office partition in a downtown Toronto condo that is 4 meters high. It’s non-load-bearing, but you nonetheless want it to partition sound between the home office and the living room.
Given the wall’s height and acoustical requirements, a 25-gauge system may be too light. A 20- or 18-gauge stud and track would be better. Not only will it reduce wall flex, but it will also maintain drywall integrity and sound travel reduction.
With an 18-gauge stud matched with the same track and insulation between studs, you will have good acoustic performance and compliance with most city regulations.
What If the Wall Is Just a Short Partition
Suppose you’re building a short wall between a bedroom and closet; it’s only 2.4 meters high, non-load-bearing, and will have very little finish weight. Then a 25-gauge track and stud system would be just fine. It’s lighter, will install easier, and is cheaper. Just be sure the track gauge is the same as the studs so you don’t have weakness at the joint points.
Practical Advice from the Workplace
These are some of the most significant words builders and contractors in Canada typically use while choosing gauge:
- Consistency is crucial: Use the same stud gauge and track consistently to prevent weak areas.
- Plan Ahead: Although the wall may be a short or non-load-bearing wall now, future modifications (like installing a TV or shelves) can require more substantial framing.
- Sound Insulation Needs Gauge: Thicker gauge systems are more rigid and will provide a better hold for acoustic insulation or drywall for sound attenuation.
- Markings Tell the Truth: Most steel tracks and studs also have gauge, thickness, and brand embossed on them before you install.
- Local Code Checks Avert Trouble: If in doubt, call in your city permitting office or check the local building authority’s framing requirements.
Putting It All Together Selecting the appropriate gauge metal track is not merely a technical process, it’s an investment in your project’s quality, comfort, and durability. While 0.46 mm thickness is the minimum standard across Canada, more elevated walls or those with greater requirements are constructed using 20-, 18-, or 16-gauge materials.
Lining your track with your studs, with acoustic and height requirements in mind, and checking your local code will result in your interior walls being safe, sound, and long-lasting. As an Ontario do-it-yourself renovator or a contractor on the west coast, not paying attention to gauge is an easy step in the wrong direction.
Metal tracks may appear to be a small detail in framing, but their gauge makes all the difference in whether or not your wall will function as intended for years to come. Get it right up front and your drywall, finishes, and future happiness will appreciate it.