What is the recommended spacing for standard wood studs in a wall?

The recommended spacing for standard wood studs in a wall is 16 inches on center. This spacing is widely adopted in residential construction because it provides a balance between structural integrity and material efficiency. It allows for the attachment of drywall and other wall finishes securely while ensuring that the wall can withstand loads and resist deformation.

Studs spaced 16 inches apart provide adequate support for the wall, making it suitable for most loads encountered in typical applications such as drywall installation, insulation placement, and wall-mounted fixtures. This spacing also helps to meet building codes and standards, which often specify 16 inches on center for framing walls.

While 12-inch spacing can be used in certain circumstances for added strength, it is not the standard practice for most wall constructions. Spacing at 24 inches is also common in some applications where reduced load is anticipated, but it is less common than the 16-inch spacing for standard walls. Spacing at 30 inches is not typical and would generally not provide the necessary support expected in residential and commercial construction. Thus, 16 inches is the optimal choice for typical framing applications.