“Stud” grade is one of the low strength grades of lumber since a stud only experiences compression forces. Framing grade lumber is usually straighter and stronger, having less flaws and is used for rafters and joists where both compression and tension loads are experienced.

What is stud vs lumber?

Lumber is a generic term for wood that has been milled (cut) to various sizes, such as 2×4 (meaning 2 inches thick by 4 inches wide), 2×6, 4x 12 etc. When you go to the lumber store, you will purchase, say 20 – 2×6 x 8 feet long. These are called studs.

What is a stud lumber?





Stud grade lumber is for vertical uses, such as load bearing walls. It is often sold in specified lengths for typical construction uses. Stud grade is the only grade in Stud category, in sizes 2×2 up to 4×18. Structural Joists and Planks grades are products that are 5 inches or greater in width.

What lumber is best for framing?

hardwood – softwoods such as pine, spruce or douglas fir are flexible and have straighter grain than hardwoods, giving them a leg up in strength and making them a popular choice for framing.

What is the difference between dimensional lumber and framing lumber?

Structural lumber can be broken down into seven categories: Light framing lumber is 2-inches to 4-inches thick and 4-inches wide. Structural light framing is 2-inches to 4-inches thick and 2-inches to 4-inches wide. Dimensional lumber and studs are 2-inches to 4-inches thick and 2-inches to 4-inches wide.

What is framing lumber used for?

Framing lumber, also known as structural wood, is the grade of wood used for house framing (studs, Larsen Trusses for Double-Stud walls, headers, roof trusses and floor joists, etc. as well as in timber frame construction). Its technical characteristics make it perfectly suitable when large spans are necessary.

Is it cheaper to use metal studs instead of wood?





Economical: Steel Studs are more economical than wood. That’s right; metal is cheaper! A lot of studs are now made from recycled materials, which cut down costs when compared to disposable wood.

What type of wood is a 2×4 stud?

Fir Douglas fir

Fir. Douglas fir is one of the most common woods used to make 2x4s. It is one of the cheapest types of softwood 2x4s. This makes it easy to screw into but still strong enough to be used for any project, including a house.

What size wood are studs?

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”.

Are framing studs treated?



Pressure-treated wood is required for many framing applications. Specifically, most building codes require pressure-treated wood for any framing that is touching the foundation. This is because this wood might wick up water from the concrete and eventually rot.

What type of wood do you use for studs?

Douglas fir

Wooden studs can be purchased from any building supply store or lumber yard, and are usually made of spruce or Douglas fir. Typical houses are built using 2x6s for exterior walls and 2x4s for interior.

Why isn’t a 2×4 actually 2×4?



Now, most timber is milled and planed to give it a little more of a finished look, and a little more of a consistent size and profile. Because of this extra milling, a 2×4 no longer measures a full 2 inches by four inches. Instead, a 2×4 is really only 1 1/2″ by 3 1/2″. The same is true of pine.

Can you use dimensional lumber for framing?

Wall framing for single and multi-family homes



Wall framing for both multi-family and single-family homes is by far the most popular use of dimensional lumber. For the framework of your room, you will require dimensional lumber of 2 x 4. However, framing does not just stop at coming up with the framework of the room.

What type of 2×4 is used for framing?

One of the most commonly used two-by-fours for framing is made from softwood known as Douglas fir, with hemlock a close competitor. The two species share similar qualities of strength, appearance and durability and are often marketed together and sold as Hem-fir.

What are the different types of framing?

Framing consists of light, heavy, and expedient framing. There are three principal types of framing for light structures: western, balloon, and braced. Figure 6-1, page 6-2, illustrates these types of framing and specifies the nomenclature and location of the various members.

Can you frame a wall with 2×4?




Quote from Youtube video: Through the top plate and the bottom plate into each end of each stud each 2×4 with two deck screws. Okay it's more normally recommended that you would use nails.

Is 2×6 framing stronger than 2×4?

The total bearing area of three 2x4s is 15 3/4 square inches; two 2x6s have a bearing area of 16 square inches. In bending, however, such as from a wind load, a 2×6 wall is considerably stronger.

Can you do framing with screws?

Can I use screws instead of nails for framing? You can build your framing with screws instead of nails. Still, they should only be used on framing that is not load-bearing. Other than that, nails are widely preferred over screws for housing projects.

Why are studs 16 inches on center?

16-inch stud spacing is the industry standard for residential wall framing. The reason for this is structural but also because materials are made in 8ft and 16ft lengths. For example, drywall is attached directly to the studs and comes in 8-foot lengths.

What is code for stud spacing?



1. Utility grade studs shall not be spaced more than 16 inches (406 mm) on center, shall not support more than roof and ceiling, and shall not exceed 8 feet (2438 mm) in height for exterior walls and load-bearing walls or 10 feet (3048 mm) for interior nonload-bearing walls. 2.

Can you frame 24 on Center?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: By eight feet wide. So you could run an 8 feet long it would land on Center where you can run it 4 feet wide and over land on Center.