This is the earlier design of curtain wall technology. The wall is installed piece by piece. Usually, the mullion members (which is vertical member) are installed first, followed in turn by the transom members (which is horizontal rail member), and finally the glazing or window units. However, in designs accenting the horizontal lines the process may be altered to first install the larger transoms. In either case, the transom and mullion members are often long sections designed to either be interrupted or extended through at their intersections. The stick wall system was used extensively in the early years of metal curtain wall development, and is still widely used in greatly improved versions. Some contractors consider it to be superior to other systems.

The characteristics of this system are its relatively low shipping and handling costs, because of minimal bulk, and the fact that it allows some degree of dimensional adjustment to site conditions. Its disadvantages are the necessity of assembly in the construction site, rather than under controlled factory conditions, and the fact that pre-glazing is obviously impossible.