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
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.