Building a Stud Wall
Standards Assessed: 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 5.4
Name ________________________
Algebra 2
Directions: A stud wall is commonly used in
home construction. Usually the studs (vertical
boards) are made of either 2x4 or 2x6
material and are placed either 16 inches or 24
inches apart ‘on center’. This means the
center of one stud is 24 inches from the
center of the next stud. The horizontal pieces
are called the bottom plate and the top plate.
At exterior corners extra studs must be used to allow stability.
Thus each corner will require two additional studs.
Other types of studs are used to make openings for
doorways and windows.
Find the total cost of the lumber for the wall studs, bottom plate, and top plate for a shed
16 feet by 28 feet using 24” centers if 8 foot studs cost $4.64 each. Assume there are no
doors or windows. Make sure you include an explanation with necessary computations,
sketches, formulas, and notes.
Smaller, cheaper studs can be used if they are placed closer together. Find the total cost
of the lumber for the same shed using 16” centers if 8 foot studs cost $2.72 each. Which
method will be less expensive? Which method will create a sturdier structure?