What is the advantage of using 2x6 studs at 24 OC instead of 2x4 studs at 16?

basc.pnnl.gov - Advanced Framing: Minimum Wall Studs

How can I sleep in my backyard?

There are several things to keep in mind in order to adequately turn your backyard into a proper sleep oasis: Being bug-protected. Outdoor...

Last updated Aug 19, 2018

Why you shouldn't use a vapor barrier?

You may find that vapour barriers are often not required in warmer climates. And, if installed in the wrong climate or on the wrong side of...

Last updated Dec 23, 2021

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Description

Adding more studs than necessary wastes lumber and reduces the wall’s thermal resistance because the lumber blocks cavity space that could be filled with insulation and because each stud represents a thermal bridge that can transfer heat between the interior and exterior of the building. Wood-framed houses have traditionally been built with 2x4 studs spaced 16-inches on-center. Research has shown exterior framed walls can be adequately supported by 2x6 studs spaced 24-inches on-center. This wider spacing reduces the number of studs in the wall, thus reducing thermal resistance and increase the amount of space available for insulation. Building walls of 2x6s 24-inch on-center has long been permitted in building codes in most jurisdictions, and is particularly appropriate for colder climates (IECC Climate Zones 5-8) where higher wall R-values are required (Baczek, Yost, and Finegan 2002; DOE 2002; Lstiburek 2010). In some jurisdictions, particularly in hurricane zones, 16-inch on-center is the maximum stud spacing allowed; check with local code officials. This 2x6, 24-inch on-center stud spacing is one of many components of advanced wall framing that reduce costs and provide materials and energy savings. Techniques for installing 24-inch on-center exterior and interior wall framing and single top plates are described below. Other techniques are described in other resource guides: see Insulated Corners, which explains how to construct corners with 2 studs instead of 3 studs to permit more insulation, Insulated Headers for tips on how and when to build open and insulated headers over windows and doors, Minimal Framing at Doors/Windows for efficient framing around doors and windows, and Insulated Interior/Exterior Wall Intersections for ways to reduce framing and add insulation where interior walls intersect exterior walls. In one study employing several advanced framing techniques, such as 2x6 24-inch on-center wall framing, 24-inch on-center floor joist and rafter spacing, 2x4 24-inch on-center interior framing, 2-stud corners, open and insulated headers, reduced studs around windows and doors, and single top plates, all of the measures combined contributed to energy savings of 13% over standard framing but this single measure alone - switching from 2x4 16-inch on-center to 2x6 24-inch on-center framing– accounted for energy savings of 11% (Lstiburek and Grin 2010). The energy savings is accounted for by two factors – the thicker wall enables wall insulation to be upgraded from R-13 to R-19 and less studs mean less thermal bridging. Building scientists suggest that builders should consider the “whole-wall” R-value as opposed to the center-of-cavity or rated R-value of the insulation. In one study, a 2x4 16-inch on-center wall was insulated with batts labeled R-13, but researchers calculated the actual whole-wall insulation value of the wall at R-9.4 (or 72% of R-13) when the thermal conductivity of the framing, windows, and doors are taken into account. In the same simulation, researchers found that the calculated whole-wall R value of a 2x6 24-inch on-center wall insulated with R-19 batts, was R-15.2, or 80% of R-19 (Baczek, Yost, and Finegan 2002). While both walls had a lower whole-wall R-value than rated R-value, the 2x6, 24-inch on-center wall with R-19 performed closer to its rated R-value because the wall had less thermal bridging.

How late in the year can you pour concrete?

Additionally, if temperatures reach below 40 °F (but not freezing) during set time, concrete will take much longer to reach required strength....

Last updated Nov 18, 2022

How do you move a shed with no floor?

If the shed is on skids or has a floor, then you can secure it by just staking it down with rope. If it doesn't have a floor or skids, then you...

Last updated Jul 15, 2018

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Stud spacing can also affect cost savings. In one study of a 2,910-square foot home, switching from 2x4 16-inch on-center framing to 2x6 24-inch on-center framing reduced board feet of lumber by 1,634 feet and cut costs by $171. When other advanced framing measures were added, like switching to single top plates, 24-inch spacing of interior walls, and open headers, lumber costs were reduced $1,117 (Baczek, Yost, and Finegan 2002). Framing on a two-foot also saves money by reducing material waste. Most sheet goods (plywood, OSB, foam insulation) come in 4x8-foot sheets. When the entire home is designed on a 2-foot grid from roof rafters to wall framing to floor joists, sheet good and lumber waste are greatly reduced. Reducing the number of studs in the walls by one-third also reduces labor costs in terms of the time it takes to handle, cut, install, drill through, and attach to studs. Based on numerous field experiments, Building Science Corporation estimates savings of up to $1,000 per home in materials and labor are possible for production builders who use a combination of advanced framing techniques (Lstiburek and Grin 2010). Advanced framing techniques should be specified in the framer’s contract. Detailed framing elevations should be prepared after confirming that these advanced framing techniques are permitted by code in the local jurisdiction. There is a cost associated with redrawing existing floor plans or providing framing details for new plans, but the cost per home is minimal if the plan will be used several times. Also, cost savings will be realized because the details will help gain building official approval, improve accuracy for materials purchasing, clarify instructions for the lead framer, assist in training subs, and greatly improve the chances that the specified measure will actually be implemented (Baczek, Yost, and Finegan 2002).

Is a black shed too hot?

Dark colors absorb heat, causing an overall increase in temperature. If your shed is a dark color, give it a lighter look. The light colors help...

Last updated May 15, 2021

Is a Shouse cheaper?

In most cases, a shouse is more affordable than a traditional house. The following will be considered when the cost of your shouse is determined....

Last updated Jan 16, 2018

Promotion

Figure 1. Traditional framing of stud-framed walls with 2x4 studs spaced 16-inches on-center uses more wood than necessary and limits the amount of insulation that can be installed. Advanced framing uses as 2x6 24-inch on-center wall framing, single top plates, and no more studs than are structurally needed, providing a dimensionally thicker wall with more space for insulation (Source: Courtesy of PNNL). Figure 2. This house is being built with advanced framing techniques including 2x6 24-inch on-center wall framing, single top plates, open headers over windows on non-load-bearing walls, and minimal studs around windows (Source: Building Science Corporation 2010).

How to Construct Walls with Fewer Studs

basc.pnnl.gov - Advanced Framing: Minimum Wall Studs

Can you use 2x4 for floor joists for deck?

The short answer is yes. 2x4s can work for deck joists. However, they aren't ideal for spanning long distances without bending or breaking, so you...

Last updated Feb 28, 2020

How long does stone foundation last?

So if your stone foundation is 100 years old, don't worry: with a little maintenance, it will easily last another 100 years, and beyond!

Last updated Jun 8, 2020

Promotion

How deep should you bury a water line?

Underground piping shall be buried not less than 18 inches below the surface of the ground unless otherwise protected. All underground piping shall...

Last updated Dec 10, 2019

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Do you need a liner under gravel?

Using a membrane underneath you gravel driveway or path will prevent weeds whilst allowing natural elements to permeate through to the soil...

Last updated Aug 1, 2020