(Walls - TotalConstructionHelp)

Non-Bearing Wall
A 2 x 4 Non-Bearing wall is constructed with studs (vertical 2 x 4) at 24 inches on center. The top plate is a single 2 x 4 and the bottom plate is a pressure treated 2 x 4. Any wood that is in contact with masonry (concrete block or concrete shall be pressure treated).

These walls can be of larger member sizes. The wall shown is a Typical 2 x 4 non-Bearing Wall.

Bearing Wall
A 2 x 4 Bearing wall is constructed with studs (vertical 2 x 4) at 16 inches on center. The top plate is a double 2 x 4 (two 2 x 4) and the bottom plate is a pressure treated 2 x 4. Any wood that is in contact with masonry (concrete block or concrete shall be pressure treated).

Note, there Clips at the Joists or Trusses that connect to the Top Plate, and at the each Stud to Top Plate. There are also Clips at the Bottom Plate and at each Stud. Besides the Clips, there are also Anchor Bolts through the Bottom Plate anchored to the Slab. There is also a Footing under the Bearing Wall, which is reinforced with Steel.

The wall shown is a Typical Bearing Wall.
Stud Sizes and Spacing may vary based upon Roof Load and Span.

Connection Detail
This is a Typical Top Plate Wood Connection Detail.

Walls:

Walls are either Interior or Exterior.

Wood Studs
1. Bearing Wall (carries roof and floor loads)
  1. 2 x 4 at 16 inches on center
  2. 2 x 6 at 16 inches on center
  3. 2 x 8 at 16 inches on center
  4. Other Sizes and Spacing (requires calculations)
2. Non-Bearing Wall (not designed to carry loads)
  1. 2 x 4 at 24 inches on center
  2. 2 x 6 at 24 inches on center
  3. 2 x 8 at 24 inches on center
  4. Other Sizes
Metal Studs (check with manufacturer's load tables)
1. Bearing Wall (carries roof and floor loads)
  1. 2 x 4 at 16 inches on center
  2. 2 x 6 at 16 inches on center
  3. 2 x 8 at 16 inches on center
  4. Other Sizes and Spacing (requires calculations)
2. Non-Bearing Wall (not designed to carry loads)
  1. 2 x 4 at 24 inches on center
  2. 2 x 6 at 24 inches on center
  3. 2 x 8 at 24 inches on center
  4. Other Sizes
Poured Concrete
1. Typical 4" or larger - Load Bearing
Concrete Block
1. Non-Load Bearing 4" Block (typical application)
2. Non-Load Bearing and Load Bearing 6" Block (typical application)
3. Non-Load Bearing and Load Bearing 8" Block (typical application)
4. Load Bearing 12" Block (typical application)
Brick
1. Veneer - non-Load Bearing (typical application)
2. Multi-layer Load Bearing
3. Decorative
Stone
1. Veneer - non-Load Bearing (typical application)
2. Multi-layer Load Bearing
3. Decorative
Precast (check with manufacturer's load tables and finishes)
1. Load Bearing (typical application)
2. Decorative
Insulated Concrete (check with manufacturer's load tables and finishes)
1. Load Bearing (typical application)
2. Decorative
Retaining
1. Poured in place
2. Precast or Prefab
3. Concrete
4. Wood
5. Metal
Movable
Fire Rated
1. Wood
2. Steel
3. Concrete
4. Prefab
5. Precast
Non-Fire Rated
1. Wood
2. Steel
3. Concrete
4. Prefab
5. Precast

Typical Wall Sections and Detail are available from our Free Plan Downloads.