Why are studs 93" tall ?

Question

In the US, 2x4" studs have always been available in 8 foot lengths (96"). Last week I saw a stack of 93" studs. What are they used for?

Also, I once saw a stack of 2x3" studs. Is there a special purpose for them?

Answer 1

vickie68, please excuse me for interrupting but a standard 2 x 4 is 1 1/2 x 3 1/2, not 2 1/2.

That's okay, we all make mistkas once in awhile.

I thought I made a mistake one time, but I was mistaking.

Answer 2

93" are used for framing.  When you add 1 1/2" for the top and bottom plate you get........ 96" which is perfect for a sheet of drywall.

2x3 studs are used to save money in a lot of framing.  They cannot be used for load bearing walls, but for any other wall they're fine.  the only problem is that the industry standard has been 4" so much that most of the finish material like doorand window frames are based on a 4" stud.  Also you'd have to go with a shallow electrical box.  2x3's are most commonly found in mobile homes.

Answer 3

To accommodate the header and footer - 2x4 on the bottom (really 1.5") plus 93" length plus 2x4 (also 1.5") on the top adds up to a true 96" height.  They're studs, for walls, not for a 6" wide deck or something.

2x3s can be used instead if the builder is going cheap and the code allows it.  I never use them.

Answer 4

Standard Studs are 93" tall for a Reason, A 2X4 is 1 1/2 inches thick, you have the bottom plate and a top plate that makes up the extra 3 inches in a Wall. or 8 feet (96) inches.

A standard 2 x 4 is not a Stud and its not 2 inches by 4 inches  its 1 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches because its been plained smooth.

the 2 x 3 studs are made that way because of the amount of insulation you can put in them. or Double batting. between studs.