2007-01-22 18:48:59 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
I am reiterating the other answers and telling you that it is to mark out studs, which for Webbadgers reference are vertical 2x6 or 2x4's that are under the sheetrock or wall board (pretty much the "skeleton" of the wall) and for marking out any other framing members which are 16" on center. The part they left out is why it is 16" O.C. normally. It is because materials used for building houses usually come in standard sizes instead of custom sizes. A 4x8 sheet of sheetrock or plywood would fall right on the studs either way you laid it plus it gives the needed support for these sheets. Insulation is made in rolls that are 16" so that they fit in between the studs without cutting them to fit and the paper flanges are then easily stapled or nailed to hold them in place. (Those are just two of many examples) If you question - why not use 2 feet on center? They do but it is not as common because many builders and designers realize that the 2 foot on center is not as strong to prevent the walls from "racking" and makes the sheetrock and plywood sheets less durable if there is 2 feet on center spacing
for the framing members underneath.
2007-01-23 07:42:42 · answer #1 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Standard stud spacing in the wall of a house is 16". There are usually indicating marks at multiples of 16" as well.
2007-01-23 02:55:38 · answer #2 · answered by Helmut 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
16" is the pitch of the vertical studs in a wall.
2007-01-23 04:32:06 · answer #3 · answered by themountainviewguy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is to mark wall studs. they are set 16 inches apart.
2007-01-23 02:52:41 · answer #4 · answered by kipp B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
And what are 'wall studs' from the answers above me?
2007-01-23 05:41:09 · answer #5 · answered by WEBBADGER 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as above - it's a historical measurement
2007-01-23 02:54:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋