Building a house is a significant investment, and we understand that every builder is looking for ways to cut costs. When the Covid pandemic hit, lumber prices skyrocketed, and builders were looking for creative ways to keep their expenses down. One way that some builders considered doing this was by increasing their framing member spacing from 16 inches to 24 inches. While this may seem like a simple way to cut costs, our team of experienced builders decided to stick with 16-inch centers because we believe it offers better support for the home.
What are 24-inch Centers?
24-inch centers refer to the distance between the center of one framing member, such as a stud or joist, to the center of the next. This spacing is wider than the traditional building practice of 16-inch centers.
Benefits of 16-inch Centers
- Stronger Structures
Using 16-inch centers instead of wider spacings provides a stronger structure as it reduces the amount of weight each framing member has to support. This also reduces the amount of deflection or bending that occurs in the structure. Additionally, the 16-inch spacing provides more points of attachment for fasteners, leading to stronger connections between the framing members.
- Code Compliance
The International Building Code (IBC) sets standards for construction practices in North America. While the code does not specify a particular spacing for framing members, it does require that structures be built to withstand minimum loads. Using 16-inch centers helps ensure that our structures meet or exceed these requirements.
- More Versatile
The 16-inch spacing allows for more flexibility in design and installation of features such as plumbing and electrical systems. The spacing also works well with standard-size building materials, making it easier to obtain and install.
- Cost-Effective
While using wider spacing might seem like a cost-saving measure, it can actually lead to increased costs in the long run. A structure built with wider spacing might require larger or more expensive framing members to meet code requirements, and the cost of fasteners and other materials can also increase.
Why Our Team Stuck with 16-inch Centers
While increasing the spacing between framing members might seem like a simple way to cut costs, we decided to stick with the traditional 16-inch spacing. We believe that 16-inch centers offer better support for the home and provide numerous benefits.
We believe that a house built with 16-inch centers is more structurally sound and has less risk of sagging over time. We also believe that 16-inch centers offer more versatility in the design and installation of features such as plumbing and electrical systems. By using 16-inch centers, we ensure that our structures meet or exceed the International Building Code requirements.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the decision to use 16-inch centers or wider spacing comes down to the specific needs of a project. While some builders may consider increasing the spacing between framing members as a simple way to cut costs, we believe that 16-inch centers offer better support for the home and provide numerous benefits that make them an excellent choice for most projects. As a result, we have decided to stick with 16-inch centers for our projects and ensure that we provide the best possible product for our clients.
