What is a timber stud wall?
A timber stud wall is a wall built from vertical timber studs, sheathed with plywood or a similar structural board and lined with one or, preferably, two layers of plasterboard. The result is a stiff, straight wall that takes fixings easily and is simple to skim or paint. In Dutch this build-up is informally called a stokkenwand, a “stick wall”.
You find it in timber frame construction and balloon framing, in extensions, in lightweight timber storeys added on top of existing houses, and as an internal partition. When it forms the inner leaf of an external wall, insulation goes between the studs and a vapour control layer on the warm side.
Build-up
- Studs: commonly 38 x 120 mm or 38 x 140 mm in Dutch practice, slimmer for light partitions.
- Spacing: usually 300 or 600 mm centres, matched to the board width so every board edge lands on a stud.
- Sheathing: plywood or a comparable structural board adds stiffness and gives a surface you can screw into anywhere.
- Lining: plasterboard in one or two layers.
Application
- Set out studs to suit the boards. Mark the centres from one end so board edges always fall on timber.
- Stagger the joints. With two layers of plasterboard, offset the joints of the second layer from the first. This reduces cracking.
- Plan heavy fixings. The sheathing holds screws almost anywhere, but wall cupboards or a TV bracket still deserve extra noggins.
- Insulate without gaps. Fill each bay completely; open gaps create cold bridges and sound leaks.
Common mistake: puncturing the vapour control layer of an external stud wall with sockets and cables without sealing them. Warm, moist indoor air can then condense inside the wall. Use a service void or tape every penetration airtight.
Related terms
- Timber frame construction
- Balloon framing
- Metal stud framing
- Inner leaf
- Plywood
- Plasterboard
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