Steel Wall Framing

The East, South and West walls are framed with 4"x1 1/2" steel studs from Scafco and Rose City Building Supply. Some were new, others were bought in a lot. All are 16 gauge or thicker. The studs were fastened to the channel with purpose-built square head screw.

Having a flat level floor in place made the walls much easier to build.

An 18v cordless drill can drive a screw through channel and non-structural 26 gauge studs. It cannot drive them through structural studs, so each hole had to be pre-drilled with a 1/8" bit. I went through about thirty bits between the framing and sheathing, and it took more than twice as long as it would have with a proper screw gun. 

Lesson learned: Next time buy or rent a proper screw gun.

South Wall Before Fastening

South Wall After Fastening