 |
Messages and Online Forum Q&A
| If you find the answer to this question useful, kindly CLICK
TO PAY here. |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Re: Floor JoistsFrom: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Carpentry and Framing
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 07 May 2002
Time: 01:07 AM
CommentsYour title mentions floor joists, but your posting discusses first floor framing using 2x6@24" o.c. If this were the spacing for floor joists, we would say that this is probably totally inadequate. However, our assumption is that you are referring to the wall framing. For a typical home not exposed to heavy wind or seismic loads, the use of 2x6 studs at 24" centers is both energy efficient and cost-effective. The comfort factor with 16" centers comes from the days of stick framing built with 2x4s. If your structural engineer says that the framing plan is adequate, I would tend to agree with that even if your contractor disagrees. Many contractors don't have an engineering background and don't necessarily understand structural principles or computations. They often do things because that's the way they've always done it. Now, having said all that, we built our home from 2x6 on 16" centers. Why? Probably because we live in a seismic zone where secure connections between the sheathing and the framing members is essential to prevent structural failure under heavily loaded conditions. In these cases, it's always wise to be conservative since standards usually get stricter, not more lenient. In summary, probably either method is just fine. The wider spacing will give you slightly better energy efficiency (since wood is not a good insulator compared to insulation itself)...and it may lower your total framing costs slightly since there is less lumber and fewer cuts to make. Builders Websource.
|
|
