Strange wooden studs in new house construction (laminate, glue, building codes) - remodeling, decorating, construction, energy use, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, building, rooms - City-Data Forum

bjornb17 · 02-02-2010, 02:05 PM

Some of the newer houses I've seen under construction in my area have 2'x4' studs that appear to be short sections of other studs stuck together by interlocking saw tooth edges. Are these just cheap studs made with leftover lumber?

jimboburnsy · 02-02-2010, 02:12 PM

Finger-jointed studs. If you read an advertisement for them you will read that the glue joints make them stronger than "actual" studs. I have no idea if this is true, if they are superior, inferior or have any impact on the strength, longevity or durability of the structure whatsoever. I wouldn't necessarily want to be one of the beta-testers, though.

It does reduce waste.

For whatever reason, laminated strand lumber scares me a lot less.

Narfcake · 02-02-2010, 02:36 PM

FJS has been in approved for use since the 2000 edition of the IBC/IRC.

As for strength ... those stamped CERT EXT JNTS (certified exterior joints) is suitable for any application, and are structurally equal or better than standard dimensional lumber. Those stamped CERT GLUED JNTS or VERTICAL USE ONLY are only sufficient to be used as interior vertical studs.

The two biggest aspects is reduced (factory) waste and that they remain straighter than standard dimensional lumber. The latter is especially important to many builders ... if you've ever spent time going through a pile of studs at the home improvement, looking for the decent ones, you know what I mean.

harry chickpea · 02-02-2010, 03:37 PM

I'd sooner those than studs with big knots in them. Finger joints are used in a lot of places and I have yet to see one that has failed at the joint.

bjornb17 · 02-02-2010, 05:10 PM

Okay, was just wondering! Didn't know if this was an inferior alternative or what.

based of what i've read here and what little I know about them, they seem like a reasonable alternative that makes use of left over wood.

Cornerguy1 · 02-02-2010, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Narfcake

FJS has been in approved for use since the 2000 edition of the IBC/IRC.

As for strength ... those stamped CERT EXT JNTS (certified exterior joints) is suitable for any application, and are structurally equal or better than standard dimensional lumber. Those stamped CERT GLUED JNTS or VERTICAL USE ONLY are only sufficient to be used as interior vertical studs.

The two biggest aspects is reduced (factory) waste and that they remain straighter than standard dimensional lumber. The latter is especially important to many builders ... if you've ever spent time going through a pile of studs at the home improvement, looking for the decent ones, you know what I mean.

There's nothing to beat the thrill out of trying to frame a square and plumb wall using stock better suited for use as an airplane propeller

MikeJaquish · 02-03-2010, 05:40 AM

harry chickpea · 02-03-2010, 08:58 AM

The one in the next to last picture should have been rejected. The bottom section isn't even dimensioned right. The others don't bother me.

Gotta love that airplane propeller comment. Toooo true.

MikeJaquish · 02-03-2010, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harry chickpea

The one in the next to last picture should have been rejected. The bottom section isn't even dimensioned right. The others don't bother me.

Gotta love that airplane propeller comment. Toooo true.

There were several studs like that in the subject home.
Superintendent scabbed another stud alongside.

I think the automated mill process of fingerjointing may be subject to improvement.

Fat Freddy · 02-03-2010, 10:24 AM

I didn’t know that 2x4s were still being used for framing.
Building codes around here require 2x6s.
All my walls, both outside, load bearing, and interior partitions are 2x6s on 16” centers.