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Advanced Framing: Minimum Wall Studs

    Scope
    Scope Images
    Image
    Advanced framing details include using the minimum amount of wall studs permitted by code.
    Scope

    Construct framed walls using advanced framing details like using the minimum amount of wall studs permitted by code to reduce thermal bridging and allow more space for insulation.

    • Specify 24-inch on-center for 2x6 wall framing rather than 16-inch on-center 2x4 wall framing.
    • Design for wall lengths and heights, window and door sizes, etc., on a 2-foot grid, wherever possible to reduce framing members in walls and to reduce lumber and materials waste. 

    See the Compliance Tab for related codes and standards requirements, and criteria to meet national programs such as DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home program, ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, and Indoor airPLUS.

    Description
    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.

    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).

    Advanced framing uses less wall studs.
    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). 

     

    Advanced Framing technique.
    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

    1. Design homes on a two-foot grid with 2x6 studs spaced 24-inches on-center. Align rafters, wall studs, and floor joists so that the load is transferred and adequately supported to allow installation of single top plates. Align windows and doors with this two-foot stud spacing to reduce the number of extra king studs needed. [See Minimal Framing at Doors/Windows.]
    2. Specify single top plates in framing elevations. For an 8-foot wall, don’t purchase standard precut 92.5-inch studs, purchase 8-foot (96-inch) studs and cut them to 94 inches (Lstiburek 2010).
      Advanced framing details throughout house limit use of lumber.
      Figure 3. Advanced framing details throughout the house minimize the use of lumber (Source: Advanced Wall Framing 2002). 
    3. Connect top-plates using either a metal plate or a wood splice.
      A metal plate is used to connect top plates to one another.
      Figure 4. Single top plates can be connected with a metal plate (Source: Building Science Corporation 2012). 
      Wood blocking is used as a splice to connect top plates together.
      Figure 5. Single top plates can be connected with a splice. Wood blocking is used as a splice to connect the top plates together. The 'middle' stud is cut shorter to accommodate the wood splice (Source: Building Science Corporation 2010). 
    4. For interior walls, specify 2x4 studs placed 24-inch on-center with single headers. Non-structural connectors can be installed for non-load-bearing interior walls.
      Interior non-load bearing walls are 2x4 studs spaced 24-inch on center. If they are non-load-bearing, they can have non-structural connectors.
      Figure 6. Interior walls are made of 2x4 studs spaced 24-inch on center. If they are non-load bearing, they can have non-structural connectors (Source: Building Science Corporation 2010). 
    Success
    Ensuring Success

    Advanced framing details should be specified in the construction plans (i.e., framing elevations should be provided) and reviewed with framers. The construction supervisor should ensure that framing crews are knowledgeable of or trained in advanced framing techniques. The framing should be visually inspected by the site supervisor before electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and drywall are installed.

    Climate
    Climate

    The map in Figure 1 shows the climate zones for states that have adopted energy codes equivalent to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2009, 12, 15, and 18. The map in Figure 2 shows the climate zones for states that have adopted energy codes equivalent to the IECC 2021. Climate zone-specific requirements specified in the IECC are shown in the Compliance Tab of this guide. 

    Climate Zone Map from IECC 2009, 12, 15, and 18.
    Figure 1. Climate Zone Map from IECC 2009, 12, 15, and 18. (Source: 2012 IECC)

     

    Climate Zone Map from IECC 2021.
    Figure 2. Climate Zone Map from IECC 2021. (Source: 2021 IECC)

     

    Training
    Right and Wrong Images
    Image
    Wrong – Excessive framing and improper spacing of studs
    Wrong – Excessive framing and improper spacing of studs
    Image
    Right – Proper spacing of 2x4 studs
    Right – Proper spacing of 2x4 studs
    Image
    Right – Proper spacing of 2x6 studs
    Right – Proper spacing of 2x6 studs
    Image
    Right – Staggered 2x4s are placed every 12 inches on 2x6 plates, providing a nailing surface on each side of the wall every 24 inches.
    Right – Staggered 2x4s are placed every 12 inches on 2x6 plates, providing a nailing surface on each side of the wall every 24 inches.
    Image
    Right – This three studs in this corner are positioned to allow insulation against more of the exterior wall than standard three-stud corners.
    Right – This three studs in this corner are positioned to allow insulation against more of the exterior wall than standard three-stud corners.
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    Wrong - The wall studs are too short and do not securely attach to the top plate.
    Wrong - The wall studs are too short and do not securely attach to the top plate.
    Image
    Wrong - The wall stud should not be cut to fit around foundation anchor bolt; the stud should be repositioned.
    Wrong - The wall stud should not be cut to fit around foundation anchor bolt; the stud should be repositioned.
    Image
    Wrong - Wall studs were poorly positioned; should not be cut to fit over a foundation anchor bolt.
    Wrong - Wall studs were poorly positioned; should not be cut to fit over a foundation anchor bolt.
    Videos
    Publication Date
    Author(s)
    Risinger
    Organization(s)
    Build with Matt Risinger
    Description
    Video describing traditional 2x4 16 inch on center framing versus advanced framing with 2x6 stud walls at 24 inch on center, insulated corners and headers, wall stud-ceiling joist alignment, etc. providing a strong wall with more room for insulation.
    CAD
    CAD Files
    2 foot plan layout with wall elevation
    2 foot plan layout with wall elevation
    Download: DWG PDF
    Conceptual 3D advanced framing drawing
    Conceptual 3D advanced framing drawing
    Download: DWG PDF
    Conceptual 2 foot module house drawing
    Conceptual 2 foot module house drawing
    Download: DWG PDF
    Compliance

    Compliance

    The Compliance tab contains both program and code information. Code language is excerpted and summarized below. For exact code language, refer to the applicable code, which may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

     

    ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, Version 3/3.1 (Rev. 11)

    National Rater Field Checklist

    Thermal Enclosure System.
    3. Reduced Thermal Bridging.
    3.4.3e Minimum stud spacing of 16 in. o.c. for 2x4 framing in all Climate Zones and, in CZ 6-8, 24 in. o.c. for 2x6 framing.26

    Footnote 26) In Climate Zones 6 - 8, a minimum stud spacing of 16 in. o.c. is permitted to be used with 2x6 framing if ≥ R-20.0 wall cavity insulation is achieved. However, all 2x6 framing with stud spacing of 16 in. o.c. in Climate Zones 6 - 8 shall have ≥ R-20.0 wall cavity insulation installed regardless of any framing plan or alternative equivalent total UA calculation.

    Please see the ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes Implementation Timeline for the program version and revision currently applicable in in your state.

     

    DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (Revision 07)

    Exhibit 1 Mandatory Requirements.
    Exhibit 1, Item 1) Certified under the ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes Program or the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program.

    More

    More Info.

    Access to some references may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

    References and Resources*
    Author(s)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Organization(s)
    EPA
    Publication Date
    Description
    Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.
    Author(s)
    Lstiburek
    Organization(s)
    Building Science Corporation,
    BSC
    Publication Date
    Description
    Report detaining advanced framing techniques, including discussion of cost and energy savings.
    Author(s)
    NAHB,
    Southface Energy Institute,
    Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
    National Renewable Energy Laboratory
    Organization(s)
    NAHB,
    Southface Energy Institute,
    Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
    National Renewable Energy Laboratory
    Publication Date
    Description
    Information sheet about advanced wall framing.
    Author(s)
    APA - The Engineered Wood Association
    Organization(s)
    APA
    Publication Date
    Description
    Detailed guide to advanced framing, a system of construction framing techniques designed to optimize material usage and increase energy efficiency.
    *For non-dated media, such as websites, the date listed is the date accessed.
    Contributors to this Guide

    The following authors and organizations contributed to the content in this Guide.

    Sales
    Building Science Measures
    Building Science-to-Sales Translator

    Reduced Wall Framing = High-Efficiency Wall Framing

    Image(s)
    Technical Description

    Traditional wall framing uses more lumber than is necessary and limits a builder’s ability to insulate walls. Wood and other framing materials are not good insulators. Heat can move through them from one side of the wall to the other. High-efficiency advanced framing uses techniques like thicker studs spaced further apart, two studs rather than three or more studs in corners, aligning windows and doors on a two-foot grid, and other steps to reduce the amount of lumber in the walls, while allowing more room for insulation. 

    High-Efficiency Wall Framing
    Sales Message

    High-efficiency wall framing reduces the heat loss and gain though structural framing. What this means to you is less wasted energy along with enhanced comfort and quiet. Knowing there is one opportunity during construction to lock in quality construction, wouldn’t you agree advanced thermal protection is a great investment?

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