| When I started building houses, I did not realize there | | | | 2x6's with 24-inch centers, rather than 16 inch, can |
| was a difference in building the frame of the house. | | | | reduce labor cost, allow for more spacing for |
| I always assumed they used 2x4 lumber to frame a | | | | insulating around piping, wiring and duct work, and |
| house. I was mistaken, and found there really is a | | | | also provide more room for R-19 or R-21 wall |
| difference in framing with 2x6 studs. What is 2x6 | | | | insulation. It is far more economical in houses that are |
| construction? It is the 2x6 stud, usually 8ft long, | | | | in a more cold winter environment, or homes in which |
| that is used to frame the exterior walls around the | | | | windows are doors occupy 10 percent or less of the |
| whole house. 2x4 studs are used for interior walls. It | | | | total wall area. |
| is something you must think about and decide when | | | | There are some significant costs to 2x6 construction, |
| deciding to build. | | | | the window and door jambs must be wider, requiring |
| When building your dream house, there are a variety | | | | the purchase of a jamb extender which can increase |
| of opinions regarding 2x6 construction. You can ask | | | | the cost by $12 to $15 per opening. The cost of |
| the contractor if someone else is building your house, | | | | 2x4x8' studs is 40% less than a 2x6x8 foot studs. |
| or if you are building it yourself, research it on your | | | | On top of that, there are the bottom and the two |
| own. Some would say, that it is cheaper to build | | | | top plates. Then there is the added cost for the |
| with 2x4's instead, because it is cheaper and requires | | | | extra insulation, as well as, deeper windowsills. |
| less insulation. One builder I heard from stated " 2x6's | | | | Some contractors will say that 2x4 construction is |
| may add an increase in depth for and to include a | | | | structurally as good as 2x6. They can easily support |
| 'thicker' insulation but this insulation alone will not | | | | the house structure and weight. Most would agree, |
| insulate a home 'better' than a 2x4 wall with proper | | | | the main reason is insulation and the energy benefits. |
| treatment..." | | | | I prefer 2x6, and most Realtors and buyers ask |
| I would disagree. When building your dream house, | | | | about this, and prefer it as well. Is it necessary? Its |
| the benefit of more insulation is long term. It | | | | debatable,. All of my houses that I built were 2x6, |
| increases energy efficiency, and if combined with | | | | and I think the costs paid off. |