Light-gauge steel-frame (LGS) partition installation technology

In contemporary building fit-outs, LGS partitions have become the preferred option for offices, retail showrooms and residential refurbishments thanks to their low self-weight, high strength, fire and moisture resistance, and rapid installation. Whether the partition will perform as intended—and how long it will last—depends directly on rational design and strictly standardized workmanship. The following sections give a systematic overview of the installation process, from material selection to quality control.

1. Construction workflow: accurate execution for maximum rigidity

1.1 Layout

With a laser level, mark the axis, finished face and stud lines on the floor, ceiling and adjoining walls; tolerance ±3 mm. Coordinate board sizes so that every stud, nogging or additional member falls in the right place.

1.2 Fix floor & ceiling tracks and perimeter studs

Fasten top and bottom tracks (and the vertical studs at partition ends) to the structural substrate with 8 mm nylon anchors set ≥40 mm deep at ≤500 mm centres. Butt joints must be tight and flush; never splice tracks by fixing them to one another.

1.3 Install vertical studs and staggered studs (“through studs”)

Cut studs 5 mm shorter than the clear height between tracks; insert with all flange openings facing the same direction. Maximum centre-to-centre spacing: 400 mm. Check plumb.

Partitions ≤3 m high receive one row of staggered studs; 3–5 m high partitions receive 2–3 rows. Fix with two pop-rivets or a stud clincher; support clips at 400–600 mm centres.

1.4 Build door and window openings; add reinforcement

Form a lintel by bending the top track, leaving ≥500 mm legs that are snipped at 45° and folded down both jambs. Windows are treated the same way. Place at least two full-height studs within 150 mm of each side of any doorway to resist distortion.

1.5 Services & built-ins

After the frame is complete, MEP trades drill holes for pipes and conduits with a hole-saw; cutting flanges or webs is prohibited. Concealed work is inspected before boards are fixed.

1.6 Boarding

Boards are normally erected vertically with long edges landing on studs; curved walls are boarded horizontally. On double-layer constructions the joints on opposite faces must be staggered; inner and outer layers on the same side must also be offset so that no two seams coincide on the same stud.

2. Material selection: the right mix for performance

Studs & tracks: hot-dip-galvanised cold-rolled steel. For heights up to 4 m use 75 mm sections; for taller or heavily loaded partitions use 100 mm. Studs at 400–600 mm centres; noggings ≤1 200 mm apart. Standard length 3 m—splice longer members, cut shorter ones.

Boards: 9–12 mm standard plasterboard for dry areas; moisture-resistant (MR) board for wet zones; fire-rated board (≥60 min rating) where fire resistance is required.

Fasteners & accessories: self-drilling screws must penetrate the board and bite ≥10 mm into the steel. Seal all perimeters with acoustic sealant. Fill the stud cavity with mineral wool or glass wool to upgrade sound insulation.

3. Quality control: work to the rulebook

Critical details: in wet areas cast a 150 mm high concrete up-stand or use MR board plus waterproof sealant. Double-layer boards are always staggered; all joints are taped and sealed.

Acceptance criteria: comply with the national “Code for acceptance of quality of building decoration and finishing works”. Check surface flatness, verticality and joint tightness; allowable deviation ≤3 mm in 2 m.

By combining an accurate workflow with quality materials, LGS partition technology delivers a stable, fire-safe and acoustically comfortable space—quickly, cleanly and reliably.