Description
Install and align wood or metal furring strips, channels, and suspension systems on walls and ceilings to create level, plumb substrates and attachment points for drywall, plaster, cladding, or acoustical assemblies; lay out work from plans, anchor to structure, and coordinate with finish and ceiling crews to meet structural, fire, and acoustic requirements.
- • Read blueprints, specifications, and shop drawings to determine furring types, spacing, and attachment methods.
- • Measure and mark layout lines on floors, walls, and ceilings for furring, channels, and hangers.
- • Inspect substrates and structural members for plumb, level, and condition before installation using spirit or laser levels.
- • Cut metal or wood furring, channels, and trim to size using snips, saws, or other cutting tools.
- • Fasten furring strips or channels to concrete, masonry, steel, or wood with anchors, screws, nails, or powder-actuated tools.
- • Install Z-furring, hat channel, and resilient channels at specified spacing for drywall or cladding.
- • Suspend angle irons, main runners, or channel grids from structure using wire, rod, or hangers.
- • Set hanger heights and level suspended systems with lasers, dry lines, and stringlines.
- • Shim and pack out furring to correct irregular surfaces and achieve plane and plumb.
- • Frame and reinforce openings and edges to receive fixtures, access panels, or trim.
- • Install horizontal and vertical strapping or studs where needed to provide backing for finishes.
- • Place blanket insulation or acoustic batts between furring and install vapor or moisture barriers as specified.
- • Coordinate with drywall, lath, and ceiling installers to ensure proper backing and clearances.
- • Provide blocking and backing for cabinets, railings, and specialty equipment.
- • Measure and cut penetrations in furring for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing components.
- • Tie or clip lath or acoustical supports to furring and grids where required.
- • Seal perimeter gaps and penetrations to maintain specified fire and sound ratings where required.
- • Nail or screw channels and wood furring strips to surfaces to provide mounting for tile or panels.
- • Hang and align main runners to wall moldings to guide suspended framing layouts.
- • Remove existing furring, trim, or interfering materials as required for new work.
- • Maintain specified fastener patterns, spacing, and embedment depths per code and manufacturer instructions.
- • Use lifts, hoists, scaffolds, and ladders safely to access elevated work areas.
- • Verify furring planes, spacing, and attachments through measurements and documentation before turnover to finish crews.
- • Install metal lath over furring for plaster on curved or weather-exposed surfaces.
- • Scribe and notch furring or channels to fit around obstructions and irregular substrates.
- • Track material usage and request additional furring, hangers, or hardware as needed, protecting installed work until covered.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
