For a wall supporting two floors in addition to a roof, what is the minimum stud size and maximum spacing?

For a wall supporting two floors in addition to a roof, what is the minimum stud size and maximum spacing?

• A. 2 x 6 at 16 inches
• B. 2 x 4 at 24 inches
• C. 2 x 8 at 12 inches
• D. 3 x 4 at 18 inches

Answer: (A)

In a wall that carries loads from two floors and a roof, the structure must have enough strength and stiffness to transfer those loads safely to the foundation. The smallest stud that provides adequate strength for that load is a 2x6, not a 2x4, which would be too slender to carry the weight. The spacing also needs to be tight enough to share the load and provide solid attachment points for sheathing and finishes; 16 inches on center is the conventional maximum spacing that maintains stability for exterior load-bearing walls with multiple stories. The other options either use too small a stud, a nonstandard dimension, or a spacing that’s wider than allowed for this kind of wall, so they don’t meet the required performance.

In a wall that carries loads from two floors and a roof, the structure must have enough strength and stiffness to transfer those loads safely to the foundation. The smallest stud that provides adequate strength for that load is a 2x6, not a 2x4, which would be too slender to carry the weight. The spacing also needs to be tight enough to share the load and provide solid attachment points for sheathing and finishes; 16 inches on center is the conventional maximum spacing that maintains stability for exterior load-bearing walls with multiple stories. The other options either use too small a stud, a nonstandard dimension, or a spacing that’s wider than allowed for this kind of wall, so they don’t meet the required performance.