What is a Stud Wall?

A stud wall is basically a framework for a wall. This wall is usually built out of two by fours, which are two-by-four-inch (5.08-by-10.16-centimeter) pieces of wood, referred to as studs; sometimes two-by-six-inch (5.08-by-15.24-centimeter) pieces of timber are used instead. The studs are used to create a frame that includes top and bottom pieces of timber, with studs attached to these pieces vertically. Once wall construction is complete, studs aren’t visible, as they are usually covered with drywall or some other type of surface. People often try to locate the studs in their walls, however, in order to mount paintings and other structures to them; this is typically more secure than mounting paintings and similar items on material such as drywall.

While the term stud wall may sound very technical or complicated, the opposite is actually true. A stud wall is simply a frame of timber that is inside a wall. Since the pieces of timber are referred to as studs, a stud wall may be referred to as a collection or series of studs. Most people use two by fours to create a stud wall, but two-by-six pieces of timber are sometimes used as well.

To create a stud wall, a person usually starts out with timber in the size he wants and spaces it equally between top and bottom plates. For example, the bottom plates go at the bottom of the framework walls, and the studs are attached to them to create the framework. The studs are usually attached at right angles to the stud wall bottom plate and placed about 16 inches (40.64 centimeters) apart. There is also a top plate at the top of the stud framework. It is placed at the top of the stud construction and forms a square with the vertical studs and the bottom plate.

Since the construction of each building may be slightly different, it is sometimes difficult to place studs exactly 16 inches (40.64 centimeters) apart. In such a case, an individual may place all of the studs, except the last one, 16 inches (40.64 centimeters) apart. He may then place the last stud in the row closer to the next-to-last stud and less than 16 inches (40.64 centimeters) apart.

Once a stud wall is built, the wiring may be installed. Insulation may be applied next. The wall surface is last to be installed, which is often either drywall or some type of wood. The material that is used often depends on where in a building the wall is located and the preferences of the person making the decisions about the wall construction project.