The Average Spacing for Wall Studs
- The conventional, stick-frame stud wall consists of lumber that is roughly 1 1/2 inches thick and 3 1/2 inches wide, which is called "2-by-4" lumber. The wall studs sit precisely 16 inches apart. Because of this framing system's popularity, materials manufacturers accommodate 16-inch centers by producing products in dimensions divisible by 16. Whether arranged vertically or horizontally, materials that measure 4 feet by 8 feet, such as drywall and plywood, align with conventional studs.
- Some structures are built with 2-by-6-inch studs instead of 2-by-4-inch studs. This increases wall cavity thickness, allowing more insulation material and greater resistance to heat transfer. In some cases, the conventional stud spacing (16 inches on center) is used with 2-by-6-inch boards. However, since this thicker lumber exhibits greater strength at wider intervals than 2-by-4-inch lumber, building codes also allow 24-inch stud spacing with 2-by-6-inch studs. The thicker studs provide sufficient structural support for both an upper floor and a roof, even when spaced farther apart. Using fewer studs helps make up for the increased materials cost of the larger studs. However, spacing studs 24 inches on center provides fewer fastening surfaces and less support to common wall covering materials such as plywood and drywall.
- The method known as "advanced framing" employs larger planks, staggered stud spacing and wider stud spacing to increase wall cavity thickness and decrease heat transfer into a structure's interior. Advanced framing typically uses combinations of 2-by-4, 2-by-6 and 2-by-8-inch lumber. Although advanced framing employs wall stud spacing of both 16 inches and 24 inches, the 24-inch spacing is the most common. The use of larger studs in advanced framing increases the cost of materials; however, the staggered, widely spaced studs and increased wall cavity thickness of this method greatly improve a structure's energy efficiency.
- Although generally more expensive than wood studs, metal studs are lightweight and easy to work with and are immune to warping, rot and pests. With top and bottom plates, called "tracks," steel stud systems resemble wood framing systems. While many steel stud walls feature the typical 16-inch spacing, some building codes allow 24-inch spacing, particularly for wider steel studs. In engineered designs, engineers examine plans to determine custom dimensions and steel thickness that allow wider stud spacing. In such cases, custom steel framing members can be placed up to 8 feet apart. The wide spacing allowed by engineered designs reduces labor requirements for commercial developers and allows residential builders to create wide openings for windows or sliding doors.