studwall

A stud wall is a type of wall framing used in light-frame construction, built from a skeleton of vertical members called studs. These studs, usually timber or metal, are fastened between top and bottom plates to create a hollow framework to which interior or exterior surfaces are attached. The cavity can hold insulation, electrical and plumbing services, and air or vapor barriers as required by a building’s design.

In timber-frame systems, studs are commonly spaced 16 inches on center in North America, or 400 to 600 mm in many other regions. Standard timber studs are roughly 38x89 mm (2x4) for interior walls and larger for exterior walls that require more insulation. Metal studs, which are made from galvanized steel, are also widely used and come in various dimensions. The wall assembly typically includes top and bottom plates, blocking or noggings, headers for openings, and a finish layer such as gypsum drywall or plaster on the interior, with sheathing or siding on the exterior. Insulation, vapor barriers, and service chases (for wiring and plumbing) are placed within the wall cavity as needed.

Stud walls can be load-bearing or non-load-bearing, depending on architectural and structural design. They offer rapid installation, ease of modification, and good integration with electrical and plumbing systems, but can present challenges such as thermal bridging and moisture management if not properly designed. Variants include double-stud and staggered-stud configurations to improve sound insulation or thermal performance.