Stud wall timber size

[spada01]

I'm going to put up a stud wall approx 3100 long to divide a hallway and sitting room.

The sitting room is very narrow and the walls wont be taking any loads, so I'm tempted to use 3 by 2 instead of 4 by 2. Does this sound wise and will it be adequately strong or am I better off sacrificing the inch?

 

[Richard C]

My advice is don’t do it, stick to 4” x 2”. IMO, stud walls are a poor enough compromise as it is; it’s only a dividing wall with no doors & won’t make any structural difference but I can’t see the point of scrimping on an inch of timber, especially on a 3.1m wall. The material cost difference is going to be negligible & are you really going to notice a 1” or even a ½” inch difference either side!

It’s not a B Regs. requirement but I would also shove some insulation in the stud for good measure.

 

[^woody^]

If space is an issue, then 3x2 at 400 centres and 12.5mm board will be fine

If space is even more of an issue you can use 38 x 63 CLS, and if space is a really big issue, then you can use the CLS sideways to give a 38mm stud plus 12.5mm boards

In fact you have got more of a chance of buying straight CLS than you have of buying straight 3x2 or 4x2

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

The partitions in my house are 25X50 the partitions are 50mm wide overall, surprise surprise they have not fallen down since they were built 10 years ago! Just saying like!

 

[Monkeh]

The partitions in my house are 25X50 the partitions are 50mm wide overall, surprise surprise they have not fallen down since they were built 10 years ago! Just saying like!

Now, lean on them.

 

[noseall]

We always use 4" x 2" unless space prohibits or connecting walls dictate.

It is not so much about strength as thickness and acoustics.

 

[spada01]

Thanks guys. Looking at your suggestion of CLS Woody - I've used 100 x 47 C16 before.

What is CLS? 89 by 38 is cheaper per metre plus if you're saying it's more likely to come straight then this could be a no brainer?

Is there a standard timber for stud walls - C16 or CLS?

 

[Deluks]

Thanks guys. Looking at your suggestion of CLS Woody - I've used 100 x 47 C16 before.

What is CLS? 89 by 38 is cheaper per metre plus if you're saying it's more likely to come straight then this could be a no brainer?

Is there a standard timber for stud walls - C16 or CLS?

CLS is the standard, it's uniform and sized to take into account plasterboard cover and door linings etc. 89x38 is referred to as 4x2 cls when out 'shopping'

 

[^woody^]

CLS is good because it comes planed smooth and rounded (no splinters for soft hands), it comes straight (no messing with alignment) and it comes dry ( no subsequent shrinking or twisting so is better for an existing dry house)

Otherwise, with say regularised or rough, it can be a bit hit and miss - but its OK for new build and builders

 

[Jackthebiscuit]

Don't you guys ever use metal studs for partition walls,,, if not, why not?

 

[Richard C]

Don't you guys ever use metal studs for partition walls,,, if not, why not?

Wood is easier to get hold of than proprietary steel studding, easier to cut & construct, easier to fix to & probably cheaper but I don’t actually know that for fact.

 

[seasickstevie]

but I don’t actually know that for fact.

I like an honest man