Furring channel is a light-gauge steel framing section used to create a straight and stable fixing surface for plasterboard and other linings. It is commonly used in concealed ceilings, masonry wall linings and applications where the finished surface needs to be levelled away from the structure behind it.
The main choice is not simply which furring channel is cheapest. You need to check the depth of the channel, the system it belongs to, the required span and load, the fixing method and how much cavity space is available. PPC Supplies stocks a range of furring channels and associated ceiling framing components for residential and commercial construction.
What is a furring channel?
A furring channel is a formed steel section that acts as a secondary frame between the main building structure and the finished lining. Its distinctive profile provides a face that plasterboard can be fixed to while creating a cavity behind the board.
That cavity can be useful for several reasons. It can help straighten an uneven concrete or masonry wall, provide room for services, create separation from the substrate or form part of a concealed ceiling system.
In suspended ceilings, furring channels generally form the secondary members that the plasterboard is fixed to. They work with other framing components such as top cross rails, clips, perimeter tracks, hangers and brackets to create the complete ceiling grid.
Where is furring channel commonly used?
Furring channel is most commonly seen in two areas: walls and ceilings.
Concealed plasterboard ceilings
For a concealed ceiling, furring channels provide the fixing surface for the plasterboard sheets. Depending on the system, they may be suspended below the structure using top cross rails and hangers, or direct-fixed using suitable clips and brackets.
This makes it possible to establish a consistent ceiling level even where the structure above is uneven or where services need to run through the ceiling cavity.
Masonry and concrete walls
Furring channel can also be fixed over concrete or masonry to create a straight framework for plasterboard. This can be particularly useful where the original wall is uneven or where a small cavity is required between the wall and the lining.
The fixing arrangement matters here. A wall-mounted furring channel is not simply screwed on wherever convenient. The clips, channel spacing, fixing centres and substrate all need to suit the nominated wall system.
What furring channel sizes are available?
There is no single standard depth used across every Australian framing system. Major manufacturers use several profiles for different wall and ceiling applications.
| Furring channel | Typical use | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| 13mm recessed | Low-profile wall and lining applications | Useful where cavity depth needs to be kept to a minimum |
| 16mm | Shallow wall and ceiling applications | Studco offers a 16mm furring channel where a shallower cavity is required |
| 18mm | Domestic and lightweight commercial ceiling systems | Siniat offers an 18mm furring channel as part of its ceiling framing range |
| 28mm | Walls and ceilings, particularly commercial ceiling systems | Deeper profile with greater spanning and load capacity in compatible systems |
PPC Supplies’ current Furring Channels range includes multiple channel depths and lengths, including 16mm, 18mm, 28mm and recessed options.
16mm vs 18mm vs 28mm furring channel
The difference between these sizes is more important than a few millimetres might suggest.
16mm furring channel
A 16mm furring channel creates a relatively shallow cavity. Studco manufactures a 16mm channel for wall and ceiling applications where space is limited.
It can be a useful option where you want to minimise the build-out from an existing wall or keep the ceiling cavity shallow. However, a shallower section generally does not provide the same spanning capacity as a deeper 28mm channel, so it should only be used where the nominated system allows it.
18mm furring channel
Siniat’s FC18 is used in domestic and lightweight commercial ceiling applications. It provides a little more depth than the smallest low-profile systems while still keeping the overall ceiling build relatively compact.
If a specification nominates an 18mm Siniat furring channel, it is important not to automatically substitute another nominally similar channel from a different framing system. The clips, tracks, load tables and installation details should remain compatible with the specified system.
28mm furring channel
28mm furring channel is one of the most common choices for commercial wall and ceiling framing. Both Studco and Siniat manufacture 28mm options.
The deeper profile provides greater capacity than shallower alternatives within the manufacturer’s compatible system. Siniat describes its 28mm channel as the preferred option for commercial applications because of its greater spanning and load-bearing capacity, while Studco also offers its 28mm channel for both wall and concealed ceiling construction.
That does not mean 28mm is automatically required for every project. If cavity depth is restricted or the nominated system calls for a shallower section, using a deeper channel can create its own problems.
When does furring channel make sense?
Furring channel is a good fit when you need to:
- create a level substrate for plasterboard over an uneven wall or ceiling;
- form part of a concealed suspended ceiling;
- create a controlled cavity behind a wall lining;
- provide a fixing surface over concrete or masonry;
- lower a ceiling below the supporting structure;
- create space for electrical, mechanical or other building services;
- build a wall or ceiling system with a nominated acoustic, fire or structural configuration.
For commercial work in particular, the furring channel should be treated as one component of a complete system rather than an isolated length of steel.
When is furring channel not the right choice?
Furring channel is not a replacement for every type of steel framing.
If you are constructing a conventional framed partition wall, a metal stud and track system will usually be more appropriate. Studs and tracks form the primary wall frame, while furring channels are more commonly used as secondary framing or battens.
Likewise, a furring channel should not be selected purely because its depth looks suitable. Fire-rated, acoustic, seismic and heavily loaded ceiling systems can have specific framing, spacing, suspension and fixing requirements. Follow the tested system or project specification rather than substituting components by appearance.
Furring channel vs metal stud
Furring channel and metal stud are both steel framing products, but they perform different jobs.
| Furring channel | Metal stud | |
|---|---|---|
| Main role | Secondary framing and lining support | Primary wall framing |
| Common applications | Ceilings, masonry wall linings, levelling | Internal partition walls and framed systems |
| Typical profile | Hat-shaped channel | C-shaped stud |
| Used with | Clips, top cross rails, perimeter tracks and hangers | Head and base tracks, noggings and jamb components |
If you are framing a new partition from floor to ceiling, start by looking at studs and tracks. If you are creating a lining surface over another structure or building a concealed ceiling, furring channel may be the more appropriate component.
What should you check before buying furring channel?
Before ordering, check the following details against the plans, specification or manufacturer’s system:
- Channel depth: confirm whether the project requires 13mm, 16mm, 18mm, 28mm or another profile.
- Manufacturer and system: do not assume similarly sized channels from different systems are automatically interchangeable.
- Length: choose lengths that suit the installation and minimise unnecessary joints and waste.
- Span and load: ceiling spans and lining weights can determine which channel and spacing are acceptable.
- Channel spacing: confirm the required centres for the board type, number of layers and ceiling or wall system.
- Fixing method: identify whether the channel will be suspended, direct-fixed or used over masonry.
- Compatible clips and tracks: check the correct direct-fix clips, joining clips, perimeter tracks and top cross rails.
- Fire and acoustic requirements: use the complete tested system where a fire resistance level or acoustic performance is required.
- Service cavity: make sure the selected channel depth gives enough room for the intended services without unnecessarily increasing the finished wall or ceiling depth.
What other components are used with furring channel?
A concealed ceiling usually requires more than the channel itself. Depending on the selected system, other components can include:
- top cross rails;
- direct fix clips;
- perimeter tracks;
- locking or joining clips;
- hangers and suspension brackets;
- threaded rod or other suspension components;
- acoustic isolation clips where required.
The correct combination depends on whether the ceiling is direct-fixed, suspended, acoustic, fire-rated or designed for another specialist requirement.
What lengths of furring channel can you buy?
Furring channels are commonly available in several lengths so installers can match the steel to the scale of the job and reduce unnecessary joins.
The PPC Supplies range currently includes numerous lengths up to 6000mm across its furring channel options. Availability varies by channel depth and framing system, so check the individual product selection before ordering.
Can furring channel be used for acoustic ceilings?
Yes, but the acoustic performance comes from the complete ceiling construction rather than the furring channel alone.
Acoustic systems can use isolation clips, resilient mounts, insulation, specific plasterboard layers and controlled fixing arrangements to reduce sound transfer. Changing the channel, clip or suspension arrangement can change the performance of the tested system.
If acoustic performance is part of the specification, work from the nominated manufacturer construction rather than assembling components independently.
Can furring channel be used in fire-rated ceilings?
Furring channel is used in fire-rated ceiling systems, but again it forms only one part of the tested construction.
The channel size, top cross rail, suspension method, spacing, plasterboard type, number of layers and fixing pattern can all form part of the fire-rated system. If an FRL is required, follow the nominated Siniat, Studco or other tested system and confirm any substitution before installation.
Choosing the right furring channel
For most buyers, the simplest way to choose is to start with the system rather than the steel section.
If you are working from construction drawings or a ceiling specification, use the nominated channel depth and manufacturer system. For general wall lining work, consider how much cavity depth you need, what the channel will be fixed to and how straight the finished surface needs to be.
A shallow 16mm or 18mm channel can make sense where space is limited and the system permits it. A 28mm furring channel is more commonly used where greater spanning or load capacity is required. Recessed channels are useful where an especially low-profile lining system is needed.
You can view the Furring Channels available from PPC Supplies or browse the wider Metal & Framing range for studs, tracks, ceiling framing and associated accessories.
For system-specific details, refer to the official Studco furring channel documentation and Siniat furring channel documentation before specifying or substituting components.