Typically when framing, 2×4 and 4×4 lumber is used, but this may vary depending on what you're building, so if you're not sure, don't be afraid to ask. Once you know the size you need, it's time to decide on the type of lumber that is best suited for your project. This is where you must balance cost and quality.
Interior walls are predominantly made from 2x4s, which are deep enough to fit plumbing and wiring between the studs, while 2x6s make better exterior walls because they leave more space for insulation. Most dimensional lumber is milled from softwoods like spruce, fir, and pine, then kiln-dried for stability.
Southern Yellow Pine is the strongest of the softwoods. Its bending strength is higher than any of its peers (SYP), which makes it a popular choice for joists and trusses, and all framing members. Douglas Fir is another popular choice.
No.
2 lumber is the most common grade for framing.
For the studs in a stud wall, timber is available in two common sizes including 75mm x 50mm or 100mm x 50mm of sawn timber, which is used for the studs as well as the other parts of the timber frame. Remember, these dimensions refer to the width and thickness, not the length.
Common Dimensions
Residential construction predominantly employs 25 to 20 gauge, whereas commercial projects often opt for the thicker 20 to 16 gauge studs for enhanced strength.
2 x 4 framing is generally code compliant. Here at Medeek Design we typically only specify 2 x 4 studs @ 16" o.c. spacing, for small sheds and garages with a building widths less than 16 feet. All other larger structures are generally called out with 2 x 6 exterior studs @ 16" o.c. unless specified otherwise.
Available Pine Grades
2 – #2 Common – Intended for use in housing for paneling, shelving, siding, soffits and fascia.
Platform framing is the most common timber framing method used today. The building is built one floor at a time, starting with the walls and then landing the joists directly on top of the wall top plate. This makes the largest member length much shorter, typically around 10' for walls and 16' for joists.
To Choose the Best Lumber for Framing, Consider Treated or Manufactured Wood. Redwood or cedar hold up to the elements, but a less expensive option might be to go with pressure-treated wood that is resistant to water, insects, and rot. This is easier to maintain, too, and can extend the longevity of your structure.
Platform Framing. Also known as stick framing or western framing, platform framing is the most prevalent wood framing method used in residential construction today. This system involves constructing each floor independently, with the walls and floors built on a flat "platform" of joists.
Platform framing, also called stick framing, is by far the most common type of residential framing. In platform framing, each floor is framed separately atop the others. This requires shorter, less expensive lengths of lumber and makes the construction easier.
The best wood for framing a traditional home is typically softwood like Douglas fir, pine, or spruce.
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.
Wood studs are light, structural timber boards milled from softwood trees. After sawn and machine-planed to the standard dimensions of 2×4″, 2×6″, 2×8″, etc, they're spaced 16 or 24 inches on center along the wall, running between the floor and ceiling.
The grade of a piece of lumber is determined based on its quality. If it has defects, is warped or contains substantial knotting, it will be graded lower than a piece that is smooth, strong and aesthetically pleasing. In general, framing should be done with material no lower than grade 2 lumber.
The Limitations of Pine
Pine, being a softer wood, is more susceptible to scratches, dents, and wear over time. This can be a significant drawback for items that need to withstand heavy use or are placed in high-traffic areas.
What are the weaknesses of pine wood? Pine wood weaknesses: prone to scratches, dents, and decay if not treated properly; not as strong as hardwoods; vulnerable to insect attacks.
1. Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) ICF wall systems produce strong, energy-efficient, durable, and disaster-resistant framing for a house. Building an ICF wall involves pouring reinforced concrete into hollow panels (made of expanded polystyrene or EPS), with reinforcing bars.
In nonbearing exterior walls, 2x6 studs spaced at 24 in. on center can be up to 20 feet in height (Table 3). Framers and builders may be reluctant to switch to 24 in.
Traditional residential framing methods suggest the use of 2-x-4 lumber installed every 16 inches for wall panels, regardless of whether the wall is load bearing, transferring the load of upper floors or the roof, or is nonload bearing.
Utility-grade studs shall not be spaced more than 16 inches on center or support more than a roof and ceiling, or exceed 8 feet in height for exterior walls and load-bearing walls or 10 feet for interior nonload-bearing walls.
In the United States and Canada, studs are traditionally made of wood, usually 2×4 or 2×6 by name; however, these historical dimensions have been reduced but still carry the name of "two by four" and "two by six".
Construction sites and building projects typically use one of two types of steel. 12 gauge and 14 gauge steel framing are the most commonly used metal building framing.