Metal furring system
The term 'metal furring system', or MF system, refers to a non-structural metal attachment that is used to hold a finish material, often used as a technique for creating a seamless plaster internal finish with a void behind for the installation of services, with plasterboard fixed directly to the concealed metal furrings. It can be used as an alternative to traditional timber batten construction for walls and ceilings.
In metal-framed construction, the furring pieces are long, light gauge materials (usually 25 or 20 ga.) of various shapes, often used to hold insulation or other construction items between materials. Due to the light gauge, a certain amount of rigidity is provided by the bends that create the cross section shapes.
A ‘hat’-shaped bent metal is the most common type of metal furring. This is used to secure the outer layer of material where it would be difficult to insert attachments such as screws and nails.
A ‘z’ furring is attached to one surface at the bottom flange, accepting an outer layer of material to be attached to the other flange. This is often used in commercial and residential buildings as a spacer, allowing an existing wall surface to be insulated, or allowing horizontal electrical or plumbing components to be installed and covered with a finish material.
A variety of fastening methods can be used with a metal furring system. Screws are the most common and easiest, although when the furring strip is attached directly to concrete, masonry or structural steel, more specialised fasteners are used such as sleeve type anchors, course thread anchors, power actuated pin fasteners, and so on.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.