What’s a stud?

• Posted on September 19, 2016
• by mikew
• in Fix It & Use It
• No Comments.

Not who, but what is a stud?

A stud is part of the framing of our home. Underneath the wall sheeting called gypsum or sheetrock are the vertical wood beams. They are usually 2 inches wide and stand from the floor to the ceiling. There are hundreds and even thousands of these used in the construction of our homes.  These are what we look for when hanging pictures and shelves. One who is skilled can rap on the wall with their knuckle and find them. The efficient buy a little stud finder. They are predictably located every 16 inches so that when you find one you can usually measure and mark all the neighboring studs. In some homes from the 1970s I have found metals studs. Studs provide all the strength in our homes being solid fir boards. The wall coverings are a sturdy, chaulky substance wrapped in paper. When you plan to hang something from the wall it is important to consider the weight and use of the item. Light frames and small clocks can usually hang safely. Shelves and heavy frames and decor need the added support of a stud!