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2018 National Home Improvement Estimator, All Rights Reserved Page 57

Wall Framing
Stud walls made of 2” x 4” lumber set 16” on center (Figure 4-8) and stiffened by fireblocks seldom need
to be repaired. The studs are stiff enough to hold the roof up for many years. But individual studs may
have to be replaced if they’ve been weakened, either by cuts made for plumbing or electrical lines, or by
insect damage.

Attic conversions or adding a second story to a home generally require that the studs be doubled --
another stud added between the original studs set 16” on center. Just installing ceramic tile in a second
story bathroom or adding a bathtub on a second floor can increase the load carried by studs below by
several thousand pounds. When installing new ceramic tile, you should also add solid blocking to the
floor joists directly under the bathroom. A ceramic tile floor can’t tolerate any movement. Any flexing of
the floor will cause tile popping or cracking. Consider doubling studs in the first floor support wall when
adding fixtures to the room above.

Occasionally you’ll see a remodeled home where a partition wall, supported only by floor joists, is
carrying a load from the second story. This is common when an attic has been converted to a storage
room or an extra bedroom. The additional weight will tend to deform the main floor downward. Think of
partition walls as curtains that simply divide up space. They aren’t intended to support roof loads or any
weight from the floor above. Doubling the support studs won’t help if those studs rest on a plate
supported only by floor joists. You have to convert the partition wall to a load-bearing wall by adding a
support beam and posts in the crawl space or basement below.