In remodeling and building homes over the years, I’ve seen all kinds of stud spacing measurements in load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls.
How far apart should we space a framing stud in a load-bearing wall?
Most plans will give you this information. If you have a structural shear wall, the plans will tell you what size lumber to use in the plywood breaks. Normal spacing in a load-bearing wall will be 16 inches o.c., unless otherwise noted on the building plans. This is the most common stud spacing in a wall.
How far apart can we space framing studs in a non load bearing wall?
I have seen studs spaced up to 24 inches on center in a non-load bearing wall. Over the years looking at building code books I have found this to be acceptable for most framing applications. Do not confuse non-bearing walls with structural shear walls because there is no weight on the shear wall.
Interior structural shear walls will require a 16-inch or less center spacing, depending on the structural engineer and local building department.
What are the disadvantages of spacing studs 24 inches on center?
Using half-inch drywall with 24-inch stud spacing on center can give the wall a week or spongy feel. I’ve been in houses that have a 24 inch stud spacing on center and I can actually push on the wall and see it move. Using 5/8 drywall will solve this problem on your walls.
What are the advantages of spacing studs 24 inches on center?
The only advantage of spacing the studs further is the fact that you may save a few bucks on the total cost of building or remodeling your home. Personally, I don’t recommend this process because the savings are minimal compared to the total cost of building the entire house.
If you look on a tape measure between 19 and 20 inches, you will usually find a small diamond. This little diamond is another eight-foot wall or floor measurement. So instead of using a 16-inch-on-center layout, you can use 19 1/4 for your stud spacing. This will save you an extra stud in the wall or floor joist every 8 feet.
I have been writing more articles on home construction issues trying to help contractors and homeowners build safer and stronger homes.