Higher strength. If you are framing over 12' you will need to double the 2 x 4s or go to a 2 x 6 stud. Sometimes 2 x 6s are used to make the cavity larger to allow pipes to be concealed within the wall. Sometimes they are used to bump the insulation value from a R13 to a R19.
Wood 2x4 or 2x6's
You can get more insulation when using 2x6 studs rather than 2x4 studs
2x4, 2x6 and 2x10
The primary difference between a 2x4 and a 2x6 piece of wood is their dimensions; a 2x4 measures approximately 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches, while a 2x6 measures about 1.5 inches by 5.5 inches. This difference in width provides the 2x6 with greater strength and load-bearing capacity, making it suitable for structural applications where more support is needed. Additionally, the choice between the two often depends on the specific requirements of a project, such as insulation space or aesthetic considerations.
Answer By putting your ear to the wall : A wall is a collection of studs (usually sized 2x4 or 2x6) equally spaced (usually 16 in. or 24 in. on center) and sandwiched between top and bottom plates. : If you start from the corner, you can measure 16" or 24" and hope that you find a stud. You can hit the wall, and where it sounds more hallow, no stud exists where the sound is higher, there is a stud. But if you can't tell a difference, then measuring could be your only bet.
To secure a 2x6 stud to the top and bottom plates of an 8-foot wall, you typically need a minimum of two nails at each end of the stud, which totals four nails. However, building codes often recommend using three nails per connection for added strength, increasing the total to six nails. Therefore, for optimal stability, you would generally use six nails to hold a 2x6 stud to the plates.
It varies with the thickness of the insulation Generally, about R-3 per inch. 3 1/2" for a 2x4 stud cavity is R-11. 5 1/2" for a 2x6 stud cavity is R-19. But if there is any airflow it greatly reduces the insulating value. Also, the thermal bridging of wood structures reduces the performance of fiberglass insulation.
2x1 is 2 2x2 is 4 2x3 is 6 2x4 is 8 2x5 is 10 2x6 is 12
A 2X6 is 5 1/2 inches wide. Incidentally it's 1 1/2 inches thick. Pre-WWII lumber was cut at stated dimensions, a 2x4 was actually 2 inches by 4 inches.
A wall stud is a vertical wooden or metal beam that provides structural support for a wall. It is typically 2x4 or 2x6 inches in size and runs vertically between the top and bottom plates of a wall. During a home construction project, wall studs can be identified by their regular spacing of 16 or 24 inches apart, as well as by using a stud finder tool that detects the density of the material behind the wall surface.
Lumber yards and home improvement stores in the U.S. generally stock stud length 2x6's (92-5/8").
Common lumber sizes available for purchase at our store include 2x4, 2x6, 4x4, and plywood sheets in various thicknesses.