Properties
The "sticks" refer to the wall studs and the wall plates which are much thinner in cross section than the structural elements in the older, post and beam and balloon framing methods of light frame construction. Being thinner and lighter, stick construction techniques are easier and speedier than the older methods, and balloon framing has been made illegal in new construction in many jurisdictions, for fire safety reasons—the plates and platforms in platform framing providing an automatic fire stop inside walls, and so are deemed much safer by fire safety officials.
Traditionally, studs were made of wood, usually 2×4 or 2×6 dimensional lumber. In North America, studs are typically placed 16 inches (406 mm) from each other's centre, but sometimes also at 12 inches (305 mm) or 24 inches (610 mm). Steel studs are gaining popularity, especially for non load-bearing walls.
Read more about this topic: Wall Stud
Famous quotes containing the word properties:
“The reason why men enter into society, is the preservation of their property; and the end why they choose and authorize a legislative, is, that there may be laws made, and rules set, as guards and fences to the properties of all the members of the society: to limit the power, and moderate the dominion, of every part and member of the society.”
—John Locke (1632–1704)
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—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)