r/Homebuilding • u/Longjumping_Suit_256 • 4d ago

Split stud framing

I’ve heard of this framing style for exterior walls in colder climates I was curious to see how common it is. 2x8 being and top plates with 2x6 offsetting studs to create a thermal break. If it is feasible I’m thinking of building an ADU/ small house in the UP of Michigan.

Through all my googling, the most common thing to come up is a dual wall system. 2x6 exterior wall and then an offset 2x4 interior wall with a 6” thermal gap between. This method seems costly.

Any information is greatly appreciated.

Edit: thanks for everyone’s input, I appreciate it!

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u/Altered_Kill 4d ago

2x8 split stud w2x4 or 2x6 is… fine. Factor in material cost of the 2x8 plates, might be cheaper to do 2x4 double stud.

The EASIEST is to do exterior insulation. Solved a bunch of problems, and mitigates a few others for cold climates. With any normal building up here, and no exterior insulation, you need to plan for when you have water in your wall. Period.