I will begin a new project in the next few days. I have used 1X4's to run perpenticular to the ceiling joists, in the past, to get a nice level ceiling for drywall.

I have had a friend inform me that there is a steel channel that does the same thing at a cheaper cost. Does anyone know of this? Info?

Rich

would this channel be "sound bar" to cut down on noise transmission through the structure?
then you put insulation into the joist cavity to further reduse sound transmission.
it's okay. and if i'm remembering correctly about it ,you need self drilling drywall screws to mount the drywall to it.

In the building trade these are known as resilient channels and one of their main uses is for sound attenuation. One such product is US Gypsum's RC-1. It is a .5" x 2.5" x 25 ga. galvanized channel. They are a good product but I don't think that you will save much money especially considering that you will need to buy or rent a screw gun and cut-off saw to install them. They cannot be used with nails. Your ceiling will be just as flat using the 1x4's.

Regards

... but if you aren't interested in sound isolation, Rich then just look up "furring channel" that's what you are referring to I believe really?
Some locals call it high hat on site.

http://www.altereagle.com/
http://decks-ca.com
http://kingofcrown.com

Alter Eagle Construction & Design