2x6 vs 2x4 garage walls

[bagged89s10]

I’m ordering windows for my garage. Is it worth paying extra for 2x6 walls vs 2x4 walls? They will be 10ft tall. I’m only going to intermittently heat it. So I will probably heat it only when I go out there to work so a few hours.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

2X6 will allow you to use thicker insulation.

 

[JRC3]

$4.25 more per stud x about 112 is like $500. Plus losing 4" on the interior. 4" doesn't sound like much but it is 1/3 of a foot. Just something to think about.

 

[atch]

If you are truly only heating/cooling intermittently you'll never recoup the extra cost in energy savings.

 

[duneslider]

From research I have seen you really don't gain much by going from 2x4 to 2x6. From what I have read spending the extra on air sealing would net you better results, especially for an a space only occasionally heated.

 

[JRC3]

Plus it will cost more to extend the jambs on windows and entry and overhead doors.

 

[HeadsUp]

Would have to double check but thought 2x6 was required per code for > 8' wall. Should be indicated in your plans.

 

[bagged89s10]

$4.25 more per stud x about 112 is like $500. Plus losing 4" on the interior. 4" doesn't sound like much but it is 1/3 of a foot. Just something to think about.

That’s true. A couple extra inches all space is always good.

Would have to double check but thought 2x6 was required per code for > 8' wall. Should be indicated in your plans.

My town doesn’t require plans for a detached garage. The inspector said 2x4 is fine for the garage.

 

[gtae07]

I went with 2x6 because it let me cut down on the number of studs (24” OC vs. 16” OC) and I was able to use thicker insulation. Running wires was easier too because I had more margin for holes and at 24” I could get my drill in between the studs with a large bit.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

When faced with the same choice, my Amish framers talked me into 2X6. Never regretted it. But...mines taller (13 feet), has bonus room above which required engineered trusses and I heat it.

So...not sure why you'd want to go that route. As noted...the lumber isn't as big of an issue as the doors and windows for the thicker walls as far as cost.

Phil

 

[ddawg16]

Cherry pick your studs. When you go over 8', 2x4 studs tend to not be as straight

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

10' walls on my build with attic trusses (living space eventually) and I did 2x4 studs 16" OC. 18" of poured wall above slab and the rest is studs.

Walls were almost perfectly flat and straight.

Since garage will be heated only when working in it - 4" walls. Living space above will have 10" of insulation encapsulating it.

 

[HeadsUp]

Well the PIA inspector required full plans. The architect specified 2x6 so I went with it. Maybe it's because I opted for attic trusses.

Good luck with the build. At lease you've got some decent weather!

 

[TractorJeff]

Well the PIA inspector required full plans. The architect specified 2x6 so I went with it. Maybe it's because I opted for attic trusses.

Good luck with the build. At lease you've got some decent weather!

I don't live in CT, but will comment that 2x6 was probably required do to the Attic Trusses.

 

[nadogail]

2X6 will allow you to use thicker insulation.

IMHO, Based on your location, you can't have too much insulation.

 

[speed bump]

On anything bigger than a shed I prefer 2x6 exterior walls. You might not recoup it on the heating bills but the added stiffness is nice and the extra insulation does increase the comfort when you are heating it.

 

[ddawg16]

My garage has 2x6 walls. But then again, it's 2-story.

One nice thing about the 6" walls.....more room to run the wiring....less worry of driving a jail through an AC wire

 

[patterg2003]

Depending on the local building codes the 2x6's usually may be placed at 24" ctrs so cost difference between 2x4's at 16" ctrs is not that much. It will allow more insulation that the reduced heating costs will quickly payback the difference. A lot of heat will be lost with the garage doors depending on their R value so the 2x6 walls will offset the heat loss & keep it more comfortable. The 2x4 wall is about R12 while the 2x6 is R20 or 66% better than the 4" wall. At the end of the day the cost for better construction is not that much more and will be appreciated for years to come.

 

[ItsNemo]

I've never regretted overbuilding something but I've definitely regretted under building. Worth it just for the extra strength in the walls, it's noticeable.

 

[Glemon]

They generally build 2 x 4" around here, other than a few old neglected garages everything seems to be holding up pretty well. A framed 2 x 4" wall is certainly not flimsy once everything is tied together properly.

 

[twistedstang]

2x6. If not for insulation, for straighter boards, a stronger structure, and more cavity space for wiring.

 

[logical]

If you are building garage journal approved height you will need 2x6 anyhow.

Actually, mine is 2x6 and the only real advantage is room for insulation so where you live is what matters.

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[NUTTSGT]

Spend the money now and go with a 2x6 wall 24" OC. You won't have any regrets for the future. You may only be heating occasionally now, but you don't know what the future holds.

I put R-19 in the walls/ceiling in my garage addition with 2x6x10' walls. Along with insulation around the exterior foundation and again on the inside. Even with the tarp covering the O/H door opening, it's heating well.


Once thing I did extra was up the exterior sheathing to Zip and taped the joints. It was, at that time only a $2/sheet more. Talk about sealing a structure up tight. I was impressed.

 

[acer66]

Another vote for 2x6 24” o/c with zip or something similar on the outside.
Sealing the building is imho more important than the insulation which can be added later anyway.

 

[M-technik-3]

Just for haha's you could also go metal framing which with today's wood costs it might be far cheaper.

If I had a bare slab, I would be doing 2x6 for the R factor and strength here in NE.

 

[JRC3]

I would 2x8, 12" OC...Anything less will break apart and blow away like that cow in the movie Twister.

lol

 

[ddawg16]

I would 2x8, 12" OC...Anything less will break apart and blow away like that cow in the movie Twister.

lol

Actually, I have a friend who did his house with 2x8.....straightest f'ing walls I've ever seen. First time I was there they asked me what I was looking at...I was looking at how ******* straight all the walls were.

That house was built like a rock.....10' walls....Hardi board on the outside...done right....all the counter tops were 38" instead of 36" (no short people in the house)

I lost him 5 years ago to ALS.....he was my retired Sgt....great guy....only 4 years older than me. Why do we always loose the good ones?

 

[larry4406]

Be mindful that at 24" on center, your sheathing is only attached at 3 studs (both edges and middle) whereas at 16" on center, your sheathing is attached at 4 studs.

We had problems with 2x6 studs at 24" on center (per the office bean counters) with the sheathing developing "waves" that telegraphed thru the siding. After several repairs, the office changed our plans to 2x6 studs at 16" on center. New single family home construction.

 

[marinusdees]

Insulation isn't part of the equation. In 1990, I built a 40' x 40' with 2x6 walls on 16" centers. 12' ceiling. Same time, a buddy built same size with 2" x 4" on 2' centers. Now, the walls look like wavy paper. Mine look like new. My answer.

 

[eastbaysubaru]

2x6. If not for insulation, for straighter boards, a stronger structure, and more cavity space for wiring.

This. The added insulation alone should pay dividends both in the summer and winter. I'd still run 16" OC though.

-Brian

 

[mossy66]

I would go with 2x6. You might not heat it that often, but it will stay cooler longer in the summer. One other thing not mentioned is that with thicker walls, there is less sound transmission, so it will be quieter inside.

Gerry

 

[NUTTSGT]

Insulation isn't part of the equation. In 1990, I built a 40' x 40' with 2x6 walls on 16" centers. 12' ceiling. Same time, a buddy built same size with 2" x 4" on 2' centers. Now, the walls look like wavy paper. Mine look like new. My answer.

2x4 on 24"OC with 12' walls ??? Not to mention that it was 40' wide.

Seriously, how did he think that was a good idea ?

 

[CraigStu]

Depending on the type of prehung door and window units some can be ordered for a 2x6 wall.

 

[rburke65]

I went with 2x6....12’ every 16”, with a full attic, 8/12 roof....love it. It only hurts once.

 

[andyvh1959]

I have built two garages with 2x6 walls on 16" centers, never sorry I built that way. Even used 2x6 for the fascia boards on the truss ends. Very straight when its time to do the aluminum fascia panels and soffit. Either order doors and windows for 2x6 wall construction or build in the extra casing/jamb to use doors and windows for 2x4 walls.

 

[loganb]

If it was my build, in a climate that has both heat and cooling needs I would be doing 2x6 on 24" centers unless wall height forced to something more stout. As mentioned, air sealing is going to have a greater impact on comfort and energy usage than insulation, so make sure they're careful with penetrations, sealing sill plates etc

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