Nailing Baseboard To Steel Studs

The generally accepted method to install baseboard or other decorative moldings to steel studs is to use construction adhesive.  This can not only be a messy procedure but can be complex when it comes to holding the baseboards or moldings in place while the adhesive sets.

This inability to nail baseboard molding to steel studs is a common reason that individuals use for not installing steel studs. 

There are three tricks that can be used to enable the convenient nailing of baseboard to steel studs.

1. Using a 2 x 4 below the steel stud frame:

The steel stud frame sits on top of a 2 x4.  This allows the baseboard molding to attached using finishing nails driven through the drywall and into the 2 x 4.  The 2 x 4 can be attached to the floor using tapcon anchors or a nail gun, if the floor is concrete ( (follow this link for additional information on concrete anchors).  If the floor is wood, the 2 x 4 can be attached using nails or wood screws.

2. Installing a 2 x 4 filler inside the steel stud track:

This is the most time consuming method of the three, as each 2 x 4 must be cut and inserted into the track.  It is not necessary that gap between all of the steel studs is filled, ever other space and the end spaces, between studs, could have a 2 x 4 inserted.  Because the finishing nail will have to puncture the metal track before it reaches the 2 x 4, you will have a few nails bend when attempting to nail them in.

3. Using 7/16" material on the bottom of the steel stud frame:

A 7/16" furring strip, either a piece of plywood or lumber, is attached to the bottom of the steel stud frame.  7/16" material is used rather than 1/2" to allow for the thickness of the steel track.  The exact height of the furring strip is not critical, but for a clean finish the top of the baseboard or molding should rest on the drywall.  Attach the furring strip using drywall screws made for steel framing.  The finishing nail will actually penetrate the steel track.