Firring
A firring is a thin strip of timber (or ‘batten’) that has been cut along its length diagonally so that it tapers, with one end deeper than the other. Firrings are used in the construction of flat roofs to create a fall, ensuring that water runs to the lower side. Typically they are designed to a fall of 1:40, which given on-site inaccuracies should result in a minimum fall of 1:80 in the finished construction.
Firrings are sometimes referred to as furring strips or furrings, when applied more generally raise building elements, such as in roof structures. In the US these might be referred to as strapping.
They are manufactured by cutting at an angle along the length of a timber batten. As this requires specialist cutting equipment, firrings are often manufactured off site. Commonly available sizes have a maximum cross section of 47mm x 50mm, 47mm x 75mm and 47 x 100mm
Firrings are cut in pairs, with the pieces on both sides of the cut line being used so as to minimise waste. They can be cut in identical pairs or folding pairs. Identical pairs are the same when cut, whereas a folding pair are cut to form a continuous fall when placed end to end.
NB: The term metal furring system or MF System refers to a technique for creating a seamless plaster internal finish with a void behind for the installation of services. Plasterboard is fixed directly to the concealed metal furrings. This can be used as an alternative to traditional timber batten construction for walls and ceilings.
For more information, see Metal furring system.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.