Which is cheaper 2x4 or 2x6?

2×6 walls are two inches wider compared to 2×4 which means a custom home built with 2×4 walls will have an interior that is four inches deeper than it would be with 2×6 walls. Because 2×6 construction costs more, you'd essentially spend money on unusable square footage.

build4g.com - Custom Home Builder NC - 2x4 VS. 2x6 Construction: Which Is Better

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When building a custom home with 4G Design Build, one of the most common questions clients have for our custom home builders is regarding 2×4 and 2×6 construction and which is the better option. We truly believe that both are good building practices. However, there are a few considerations that may make one option more beneficial than the other. Below, our custom home builders in NC highlight the main factors to consider when trying to decide between using 2×4 or 2×6 framing for your custom home.

Strength

One of the main reasons why clients choose to upgrade from 2×4 to 2×6 framing is related to strength. Building a quality home that will remain structurally sound is vital, so it’s no wonder why people wonder if building a custom home with 2×6 walls is the better option. While 2×6 walls are more structurally sound, they are rarely needed. 2×4 construction is strong and structurally sound, especially when working with a custom home builder that uses premium materials.

Efficiency

2×6 construction creates more room for wall insulation, which can help enhance home efficiency and reduce cooling and heating bills throughout the warmest and coldest months of the year. Keep in mind, though, this is dependent on the climate you are building in. For example, when building a house in Charlotte, NC, additional wall insulation won’t be beneficial since heat loss takes place through the roof. Insulation should instead be added to the attic and roof.

Cost

As mentioned, 2×4 frames are standard in home construction. This building practice sets framing studs at about 16 inches on-center. With 2×6 construction, framing studs are set at 24 inches on-center and will almost always be considered an upgrade in the custom home building process. You can expect the additional costs of not only wall studs, but also top and bottom plates, insulation, and window and door extension jambs when you build a custom with 2×6 framing.

Size

Building with 2×6 walls can result in a slightly smaller house. Home square footage is calculated based on the outside dimensions of the home footprint, which is then divided between finished living space and unfinished space. 2×6 walls are two inches wider compared to 2×4 which means a custom home built with 2×4 walls will have an interior that is four inches deeper than it would be with 2×6 walls. Because 2×6 construction costs more, you’d essentially spend money on unusable square footage. While 2×6 construction does offer some benefits, 2×4 is the most common when it comes to residential construction. If you’re unsure whether 2×4 or 2×6 is the best option for your custom home, the experts at 4G Design Build will help you make the right choice. Contact our custom home builders today to get started with a scheduled consultation.

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What material do termites not eat?

Naturally Resistant To deter the pests, homeowners can obtain heartwood-grade lumber for construction projects. Termites also tend to avoid specific species of trees such as redwoods, yellow cedar, Laotian teak, and cypress.

orkin.com - What Wood Will Termites Not Eat? - Orkin

Home-invading termites prefer soft, rotting, or fungus-infested wood with high moisture content. For this reason, most termite infestations start with wood that touches or is located close to the soil. Homeowners may reduce the chances of termite infestations by using pressure treated, naturally resistant, or composite wood.

Pressure Treated

Pressure treated wood is embedded with preservatives that are forced into the wood pores during the manufacturing process. This makes the timber resistant to rot and fungi and creates a termite-resistant chemical barrier. Slowing the natural decay process in this way results in stronger, longer-lasting wood that is valuable for building homes, sheds, and decks. In fact, many locations within the U.S. have requirements for using pressure treated wood in places where the wood contacts or is otherwise close to the soil.

Naturally Resistant

Heartwood is the non-living, central wood of trees. This wood is darker, denser, and less permeable than the surrounding timber. Therefore, it is naturally less attractive to termites. To deter the pests, homeowners can obtain heartwood-grade lumber for construction projects. Termites also tend to avoid specific species of trees such as redwoods, yellow cedar, Laotian teak, and cypress. However, these types of wood are not as long-lasting as treated lumber.

Composite Materials

Specially designed to deter termites and increase the useable lifetime, some manmade composite lumber products are made with materials that the pests can't digest, such as plastic. Other composite products are made with a combination of plastics and wood fibers. Since composites don’t tend to warp like natural timber, composite wood is also a more durable building product choice. If you need some help to determine whether or not you have activity, call Orkin today for a free termite inspection of your home.