METRIC DESIGN GUIDE
Architectural/General
Module
New GSA office building construction should use a 600 mm planning module. This is the
closest to the common 24-inch module and products are made this size. See page 3-19 of
the metric version of PBS-PQ100.1
Drywall
Major drywall manufacturers currently offer round metric sizes in minimum order
quantities. Only sheet length and width are classified in round metric. Standard sheet
width is 1 200 mm. Lengths are available in 2 400 mm and several longer sizes.
Thicknesses remain the same to minimize code impact. Standard thicknesses are 12.7 mm
and 15.9 mm. Some architects are showing these as 13 and 16mm on drawings. Standard
stud spacing is 400 mm, as it is the closest to 16 inches and is an even multiple of the sheet
size. If drywall is installed horizontally across studs then the contractor could purchase
drywall with the vertical dimension in a converted English size so only the length is round
metric. This may widen the availibility in smaller purchases.
Since a minimum order quantity can be significant, its use must be evaluated for each
project. Currently this may be as high as a truckload, or about 700, of 1 200 by 2 400
sheets.) If minimum quantities will not be satisfied, then English-size drywall as shown
above can be used and cut even though the project is metric, as is done in Canada. These
decisions can be left to the marketplace to determine by specifying stud spacing and
drywall thickness but not length and width.
Doors
A common metric door size is 900 by 2 100 mm. This may be used on metric projects
where other project specific design criteria are satisfied. Door thicknesses will remain the
same, being identified by the nominal mm equivalent such as 45. A 950 by 2 150 door
size is used in Canada as it matches metric block coursing.
Ceiling Systems
Manufacturers make round-metric-size tiles and grids for use in metric projects. The most
common sizes are 600 by 600, and 600 by 1 200 mm.
Page 13
PBS-PQ260
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