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OBC DIVISION B · PART 9 · SECTION 9.24 — SHEET STEEL STUD WALL FRAMING

When are steel studs allowed in a house under the Ontario Building Code?

Part 9 permits sheet steel stud framing prescriptively for non-loadbearing walls, both interior partitions and exterior infill walls, with tabulated stud sizes, thicknesses and spacings, typically 400 or 600 mm (16 or 24 in.) o.c. Loadbearing steel stud walls fall outside these rules and need engineered design.

Code reference
Section 9.24 applies to sheet steel stud walls used as non-loadbearing interior and exterior walls in Part 9 buildings. It sets minimum steel thickness and stud dimensions, maximum spacing and heights, requirements for top and bottom tracks, framing of openings, and fastening of studs and sheathing membranes, with corrosion protection required for the steel components.
OBC Division B, Section 9.24.

Paraphrased for clarity — open this provision in the BUILDAiD Library for the exact wording.

What this means in practice

Steel studs shine in basements and partitions: straight, rot-proof, termite-proof and light. The prescriptive gate is the non-loadbearing limitation, so a steel-framed partition that ends up supporting floor loads, common in basement renovations where someone blocks under a sagging joist, has left Part 9 territory. Exterior non-loadbearing steel infill needs attention to thermal bridging, since steel short-circuits insulation dramatically; continuous exterior insulation is the usual fix under energy compliance. Use the specified track fastening and screw patterns, and keep electrical grommets in punched openings to protect wiring.

Plain language

You can frame interior partitions and non-structural exterior walls with lightweight steel studs straight from the code, no engineer needed. They will not rot or warp, which makes them a favourite for basements. If the wall actually holds the building up, though, steel framing needs engineered design.

Related questions

Can steel studs be used for load-bearing walls in Ontario houses?

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This page is provided for general information. Building code requirements depend on your specific project, occupancy and municipality, and code editions change. Always verify requirements against the current Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.