Shiny.

May I ask why you used metal instead of wood, looks extra burly... and extra expensive.

My good friend had leftover metal studs from a recent project. They were donations. It is VERY lightweight c style beams. The back wall bracing will be wood most likely as we are almost out of metal studs.

Sketch for what its going to be used for. Steel studs are good for partitions, soffits and chases (sheetrock applications), but not for load-bearing situations. You need to incorporate some red steel perlins or 2x6 lumber for load transfer

We are adding a 2x6 back wall to support the structure. It is solid as a rock with me swinging on it. With additional supports, I doubt it goes anywhere.

plywood or sheet steel on the front for the t-nuts and holds? I've never seen plywood fastened easily to steel backing.

Ply, If it doesn't hold we can always hold it with nuts and bolts.

Cool, way to use leftovers. Look forward to seeing it done. First metal home wall I've seen.

Mike, I'm curious as to how the structure might fail. Bending / breaking/ pulling away from the wall etc etc. We have since added some more 2x4 wood bracing.
I am just asking because my friend, who is a contractor and uses the stuff almost every day, says for the loads it will be holding, it should be fine. As long as 3-4 full sized adults aren't on it at the same time, swinging all over the place. Thanks!

I think Mike was concerned about using thin gauge metal studs as a beam which is what any angled support for an overhanging wall functions as. Those studs are generally used for partition walls and not for bearing any sort of load other than the wall finish and some cabinets. I'd be concerned, even if it works now, about fatigue over time - those studs aren't spring steel.

That said, if it works for you, great. It certainly doesn't look like it should work well over time. Is your buddy building floors out of this stuff? Pretty much the same concept.

Yeah, what Dan said. I've never seen regular gauge steel studs in a load situation; always just partitions and such as support for drywall. I'd be worried about the little stud screws loosening out, as this will see dynamic forces. It helps that your buddy is a contractor.

We used large screws to attach the metal to the studs. then the smaller metal screws for attaching metal to metal. I will be sure to keep a close eye on the back of the structure.

I still use the wood beam frame that goes across my basement. Fancy!