What does 16(or is it 12) on center mean when building an interior wall made out of wood and sheet rock?

Question

Trying to learn how to build a wall.

Answer 1

Check out the links below.

http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuilding/pages/h00023.asp
http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/framing/frame_3.htm#plate
Hope it helps.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

The number means the inches between the centers of each stud in your wall -- but not always literally. Start at the corner, there are usually two (2) studs together there - measure from the center of the second stud and mark every 16 inches. That is where the center of each stud will go. When you get to the end, if the number is odd, just go every 16 and at the end there are two in the corner again. This way, you can find one stud and measuring 16 inches from that should bring you to the next. Works the same if it is 12, but I don't think that's a very popular way to build a house.

Answer 4

Typically it is 16 on center, which means the center of each stud in the wall is 16 inches from the center of the next stud, and then the next stud, and so on.

When done correctly, the edge of a 4 foot wide sheet of drywall will fall directly in center of a stud, allowing you to start the next sheet on the other 1/2 of that same stud.

Note: for this to work, the first stud from the end of the wall will be 15 1/4 inches from the center of that stud to the center of that stud at the end of your wall. Then they are 16 inches on center the rest of the way down.

Answer 5

If it is an interior non load bearing wall you can even go 24" on center. The on center part just means from the center of one vertical stud to the next. This is not only for support, but most coverings, i.e. drywall, sheetrock, panelling are 48" wide and therefore lend themselves to nailing at 16" and 24"

Answer 6

The center of each vertical stud is 16" from the next. Typically the entire wall is marked at once along the top and bottom to make the measurement more accurate. Please note that a 2 x 4 is not 2" x 4" but is a little smaller.

Answer 7

you can use all-purpose or "hot" (45 minute mud, dries fast, so be careful,) mud to glue the Sheetrock to the walls it will last forever, and must use a chisel to remove it, (you can use a trough 3/16inch by 3/16 inch for light texture, up to 1/4 inch by 1/4 inch for very heavy texture. you should attach the Sheetrock with screws too, (2/12 inch or 3 inch gold or zinc grabbers, black ones will rust and run in high moisture areas like baths and kitchens) . studs are usually on 16 inch centers. use a saws-all, or a hammer to locate at least two studs to verify centers, stay away from outlets/light switches. disconnect all power to room for safety! (they did not use shields back in those days, if you can locate the wires you are safer). apply mud to back of rock, or wall, spread evenly. press Sheetrock to wall and wiggle or pound lightly to remove air pockets. screw into place. you can screw to the lathe, but it will not hold, and cracks may occor. contact me for more info. p.s. use 5/8 inch thick sheetrock on the ceiling, and i suggetst greenboard around high traffic and water areas

Answer 8

It means that your vertical studs are spaced out every 12 or 16 inches.

Answer 9

when you measure to put your 2x4s in for your wall you measure from center to center of each 2x4 most walls have the 2x4s on 16 inch centers hope this helps

Answer 10

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Answer 11

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