Understanding Interior Wall Thickness with Metal Studs and Gypsum Boards

When constructing or evaluating the thickness of an interior wall, it is essential to consider the components used and their dimensions. This article will explore the calculation and considerations for thickness with metal studs and gypsum boards, providing valuable insights for both homeowners and construction professionals.

Basic Components and Dimensions

Interior walls are commonly built with metal studs and gypsum boards on either side. The thickness of these components is critical in determining the total wall thickness.

Calculating Wall Thickness Step-by-Step

To calculate the total thickness of the wall, consider the thickness of the gypsum board on each side of the metal stud, as well as the width of the stud itself.

Thickness of Gypsum Board

Each side of the wall has a thickness of 5/8 inch. This needs to be added together for both sides:

Total thickness of gypsum board 2 × 5/8 inches 1.25 inches

Width of Metal Stud

The actual width of the metal stud is 3 3/8 inches. This can be calculated as:

Total width of stud 3 3/8 inches 27/8 inches

Total Thickness of the Wall

The total thickness of the wall is the sum of the thickness of the gypsum board and the width of the stud:

Total thickness Thickness of gypsum board Width of stud

Total thickness 1.25 inches 3.375 inches 4.625 inches

Thus, the total thickness of the wall is 4.625 inches (or 4 5/8 inches).

Additional Considerations for High-Quality Finish

For a high-quality, smooth finish, additional layers and materials may be installed, affecting the total thickness and functionality of the wall.

Finishing Bond and Skim Coat

To achieve a perfect finish, a skim coat of plastering compound is typically applied. This ensures a smooth surface. Adding the thickness of the skim coat, which is about 1/16 inch, gives us an additional 0.0625 inches:

Total wall thickness with skim coat 4.625 inches 1/16 inches ≈ 4.6875 inches

Insulation and Additional Layers

Between the gypsum boards, a soundproof insulation layer may also be installed, adding around 5/8 inch to both sides:

Total thickness including insulation 4.625 inches 5/8 inches 5/8 inches ≈ 5 inches

Final Consideration: Paint and Primes

When considering the final appearance of the wall, the thickness increases further due to the application of paint and primer. Each side might add an additional 1/16 inch:

Total wall thickness with paint and primer 4.6875 inches 2 × 1/16 inches ≈ 4.875 inches

Therefore, a more accurate final thickness, including these finishes, would be approximately 4 3/4 inches.

Understanding these components and their combined thickness is crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of any interior wall construction.