I guess that I’m going to bore a 2″ hole dead center in a new 2×4 doug fir wall stud in order to run a 1 1/2″ pvc vent pipe. Will this hole have a big affect the structual integrety of the stud? And, if one has to bore through a wall stud, does it matter whether you make the hole near the top or bottom or half way up the wall stud? Thanks for all the advice.
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Code here permits a single bearing wall stud to be drilled 40% of its flat dimension, i.e. you can drill your 2" hole in a 2x6 but not a 2x4. If it's a non bearing wall then I think you're OK drilling one stud, but not a bunch of them in a row.
Thanks David. Its not a bearing wall but it is one of two adjacent studs that I attached a ledger board to from which a wall hung sink will hang.
I guess if I have any concerns I can add another unbored stud near the bored one. Or maybe better yet, attach one of those repair/support steel plates I've seen somewhere.
For wall hung sinks, I like to mount a piece of 3/4" plywood, or 2X blocking flush with stud faces. This way sink mounting bolts are grabbing something solid. Your hole in stud becomes less of an issue as well.
J. D. ReynoldsHome Improvements
Add repair straps to both sides (1 1/2" dimension) and you'll be fine.
If you want more strength, nail a new stud right to the existing one and drill them both.