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
Copyright and Artificial Intelligence
Government report and back track on copyright opt out for AI training but no clear preferred alternative as yet.
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
Inspiration for a new 2026 wave of Irish construction professionals.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
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 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.