Furring or the use of furring strips (sometimes misspelled “firring”) is the use of narrow strips of wood usually attached to a wall, ceiling or floor.
Their job is to create a true plane on which to attach or strap flat surface materials.
To “fur” then, means to build out a wall or ceiling in order to create a level or plumb a horizontal or vertical surface. See photos.
Let’s take a look at a few of the most common applications for furring strips.
Using Furring Strips on Walls
Picture an unfinished basem*nt. Usually thick, bare walls of sheer concrete are all around you.
The texture often looks rough, with divots, seams and other imperfections scattered all across the surfaces.
This just comes from how they were made. At one time a forming contractor poured cement into big molds to create these walls. Not much care is given to how smooth everything comes out.
Depending on how old and/or how good the forming process was will determine how even these walls are from side-to-side and bottom up.
Other basem*nt walls may be made brick and mortar style or with larger pieces like cinder blocks.
These too can create patchy and uneven walls in your unfinished lower levels.
Is this okay?
Sure…but what if you want to finish this basem*nt? How would you attach drywall to such an irregular surface? Enter: furring strips
A Wall-board mounting surface
These thin pieces of wood can be attached securely to concrete using special fasteners like masonry screws or sleeve anchors. Get your SDS hammer drill and appropriate drill bit out!
Furring the wall is like putting wooden bars up in order to easily hang smooth wall-board.
A furring piece serves the purpose of a wall-stud just like you have in the other, livable spaces of your house. Think of it as nailing strips for walls.
You even mount furring strips 16-inches on center just like regular 2×4 studs. This will make hanging drywall or any kind of paneling a snap.
And structurally, they’ll provide the uniformity required for a wall that’s flush and level.
That’s not to say you can’t use regular framing members for a wall. You can…it’s just that furring will be a lot cheaper and much easier to install.
You may be in a position where furring won’t actually work. For example, if you want to use regular batt (blanket or roll) insulation.
You’ll want the extra depth within each bay. As an alternative, you can consider spray foam insulation. It can bring you the similar R-values and use up less space.
Also, while furring can create enough space for wiring and small copper pipes that are flush to your walls, you might not have enough room if pipes are laid out at a distance using brackets.
Or, if pipes are larger, then traditional studs will be your best option after all.
You Can Also Fur Ceilings
Basem*nts and attics alike that wish to have their exposed joists covered with drywall can benefit from furring strips as well.
This can be extremely useful if you’re adding lighting and don’t want to bore out holes to run wiring. The thickness of the furring will be just right for typical Romex wires.
Tack on your furring strips, and you’ll be ready to go.
Basic Facts About Furring Materials
- Furring strips are made from wood such as pine or even plywood, although steel and metal furring is often used by builders
- You can buy them pre-made so to speak, or you can rip them down with a good table saw
- You’ll usually use furring strip dimensions of 1″ x 2″ or 1″ x 3″, although actual measurements are 3/4″ x 1 1/2″ and 3/4″ x 2 1/2″ respectively
- Wall furring can be used for attaching panels, trim or gypsum board (dry wall)
- Ceiling furring can be used for placing and securing drywall or acoustic tiles
- Furring can make a wall level by inserting shims between the furring strips and joists
- Furring strips can be placed one on top of the other (criss cross fashion) if extra room is needed or the ceiling is irregular, i.e. in a ceiling with pipes or electrical boxes hanging down
- Concrete and brick walls can use “z furring”, which allows for easier application of insulation and wall board
- Furring strips can be attached with either nails or screws
FAQs
What Else Are Furring Strips Called?
Here some other names for basic wood types, names for other types of furring strips:
As mentioned, furring strips are long, thin strips of either wood or metal.
They are most commonly utilized in construction projects as support for insulation attachment, frames, level raisers, section eveners, and air space creators.
Furring strips are also known as furring board, wood strapping, or just furring. Sometimes they are referred to as nailing strips.
In the UK, they are also referred to as battens. Metal furring strips are available in two shapes—Z-channel and hat-channel.
How Thick Do Furring Strips Need to Be?
Furring strips are available in several standard sizes ranging from 1?x2?, 1?x3?, 3/4?x1 1/2?, 3/4?x2 1/2?and so on.
The different sizes make this construction item versatile for various architectural projects.
Can You Use Plywood for Furring Strips?
Yes, you can make furring strips from plywood.
Here’s why:
Plywood is simply several sheets of wood veneer glued together.
Depending on the quality of the wood (softwood or hardwood) and the thickness of the sheet, plywood furring strips can actually rival furring strips made from regular wood.
Advantages of using plywood as furring are several—easier to work with, convenient to size strips, holds staples, glue, and screws well, zero warping, etc.
Cost, however, is a disadvantage. Yes, plywood furring strips can work out to be more expensive than regular wood furring strips.
How Far Apart Should Furring Strips Be for Siding? For Roofs? For Drywall?
Most builders keep furring strips 16-inch apart for siding, 16 or 24-inch apart for a metal roof, and about 8 to 10 inches apart for drywall.
Can I Use Furring Strips Outside?
Yes!
Redwood or pressure-treated furring strips are made specifically for outdoor use as they are insect and moisture-resistant.
