What Is Furring Strip in Construction in USA

Introduction to Furring Strips in American Construction

A furring strip is a narrow strip of wood or metal used in construction in the USA to create a level, stable surface for attaching interior finishes, support insulation systems, or separate finish surfaces from structural components. In modern building practices, furring strips are a crucial part of framing assemblies where walls, ceilings, or masonry require leveling, insulation space, or mechanical accommodation.

We use furring strips across a broad spectrum of projects including residential homes, commercial buildings, industrial structures, and multi-family developments. They contribute to structural integrity, improve building performance, and ensure the proper installation of materials like drywall, paneling, tile, and cladding systems.

Materials Used for Furring Strips in the USA

Wood Furring Strips

Wood furring strips are typically made from softwood lumber such as pine, fir, or spruce. They are commonly cut to sizes like 1”x2”, 1”x3”, or 2”x2”, depending on the framing need. In moisture-prone areas, we use pressure-treated wood to prevent rot and pest infestation.

Wood furring is ideal for interior framing over concrete walls, supporting light cladding systems, or framing for plaster and lath applications in traditional or renovation work. They are easy to work with, cost-effective, and compatible with standard fastening systems.

Metal Furring Channels

Metal furring strips—also known as hat channels or Z-furring channels—are made from galvanized steel or cold-rolled steel, offering higher durability, fire resistance, and better performance in non-combustible assemblies. These are used extensively in commercial and institutional buildings, particularly where fire-rated, moisture-resistant, or high-load assemblies are required.

We install metal furring using specialized fasteners, such as self-tapping screws, masonry anchors, or clip systems designed for integration with concrete, steel, or masonry substrates.

Key Applications of Furring Strips in Construction

1. Leveling Irregular Surfaces

In both new builds and renovations, we use furring strips to correct surface irregularities. For example, concrete block walls, poured foundations, or uneven wood framing often need furring to ensure that drywall or paneling can be applied without waves or voids.

Furring allows us to create a flat, plumb, and square surface to meet finish material tolerances and avoid issues with alignment or cracking.

2. Supporting Drywall or Panel Installations

Furring strips are essential in creating a mounting surface for gypsum board, tile backer board, or wood paneling. In areas where the base structure does not provide adequate fastening points—such as over insulated concrete forms (ICFs) or block walls—we install furring vertically or horizontally to match the layout of finish boards.

This ensures secure attachment, spacing consistency, and the ability to install electrical boxes, plumbing lines, or HVAC ducting.

3. Providing Space for Insulation

We often use furring strips to create cavities for thermal and acoustic insulation. In retrofit applications, such as insulating basement walls, attics, or commercial exterior walls, furring creates a buffer zone where rigid foam, spray foam, or batt insulation can be installed.

This assembly helps meet energy codes, increase R-values, and reduce thermal bridging, especially when paired with a vapor barrier or continuous insulation layer.

4. Fire-Rated and Non-Combustible Assemblies

For projects that require fire resistance—such as apartment buildings, schools, or hospitals—metal furring strips are integrated into UL-classified wall systems. We use Type X drywall, non-combustible insulation, and intumescent sealants to ensure the assembly complies with ASTM E119 fire-resistance testing.

Furring helps isolate combustible surfaces, maintain fire-rated continuity, and support compliant firestop systems across all penetrations and joints.

Types of Furring Strip Configurations

Vertical Furring

Installed perpendicular to the floor, vertical furring is used when furring over masonry walls, ensuring support for standard 4’x8’ drywall sheets. Spacing is typically 16” or 24” on center, depending on load requirements and drywall type.

Vertical furring is common in interior partitions, garage conversions, and commercial TI projects where an existing wall surface is left intact and built over.

Horizontal Furring

Horizontal furring strips are mounted parallel to the floor and are often used in exterior rainscreen systems or for tile backers where horizontal support is critical. They may be spaced 12” to 24” on center depending on the finish material and structural requirements.

Horizontal furring is also used in ceiling systems to create fur downs, allow fixture installation, or transition between ceiling heights.

Cross Furring

Cross furring involves layering furring strips in both vertical and horizontal directions. This method creates a grid that increases rigidity and allows for flexible installation of both insulation and finish layers. We use cross furring in acoustical ceilings, plaster walls, and multi-layer drywall systems.

Installation Details and Best Practices

Fastening Methods

The choice of fastener depends on the substrate:

• Concrete or masonry: Tapcon screws, powder-actuated fasteners
• Wood: Coated nails or wood screws
• Steel: Self-drilling screws, sheet metal screws

We ensure fasteners penetrate at least 1 inch into the base material for secure anchoring. For fire-rated assemblies, all fastening components must be non-combustible and UL-approved.

Moisture Control

In moisture-prone areas like basements, bathrooms, or exterior cladding systems, we always install a vapor barrier or drainage plane between the wall substrate and the furring. This prevents mold growth, water intrusion, and material degradation.

Where applicable, we use capillary breaks, waterproof membranes, or breathable building wraps to manage water and vapor movement.

Thermal Bridging Mitigation

To enhance energy efficiency, furring strips are sometimes installed over continuous insulation. We offset the furring using plastic or foam spacers to prevent direct thermal bridging. In cold climates, this strategy significantly improves heat retention and reduces condensation risk.

Code Compliance and Standards

Furring installations must adhere to:

• International Building Code (IBC)
• International Residential Code (IRC)
• International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
• UL Fire-Rated Assembly Standards
• ASHRAE 90.1 Energy Standards

We ensure that all assemblies using furring strips meet structural, thermal, acoustic, and fire safety requirements as dictated by project specifications and local jurisdictional codes.

Furring Strip Costs in U.S. Construction

The cost of furring strip installation varies by:

• Material: Metal is more expensive than wood
• Labor: Commercial labor costs more than residential
• Application complexity: Insulated assemblies and fire-rated systems add cost

Typical installed price ranges:

• Wood furring strips: $0.50 – $1.25 per linear foot
• Metal furring channels: $1.50 – $3.00 per linear foot
• Insulated furring wall assemblies: $8 – $15 per square foot (material + labor)

Bulk purchasing and prefabrication can reduce costs in large-scale developments.

Conclusion

The furring strip in construction in the USA is far more than a simple spacer—it is a structural, functional, and performance-driven component that supports almost every aspect of interior and exterior wall design. Whether made of wood or metal, vertical or horizontal, used for insulation, moisture management, fire protection, or aesthetics, furring strips are indispensable to quality construction practices.

By integrating correct furring techniques into our assemblies, we ensure code compliance, structural reliability, and long-term performance across diverse building types and project scales. Proper installation and detailing of furring systems reflect our commitment to delivering precise, durable, and future-ready construction solutions.

We build with precision, plan with integrity, and deliver with excellence.