Existing studs in pantry wall are laid flat so that I am looking at 3 1/2 width when facing wall. Is this ok per code?
Rehabbing a bungalow which is demoed to the studs in the kitchen. One pantry wall has the 2×4 studs installed sideways so that as I face the wall I am looking at the 3 1/2 side of the studs. Does this affect wall strength when I hang about 6ft of cabinets on them? Is there any code requirement about orientation? The wall is not a load bearing wall and there is a bedroom on the other side of the wall which is plastered in the bedroom. The pantry side will be drywalled.
Any ideas about strength or code? Thanks for your help!
Replies
Not likely a problem
It shouldn't be any problem as long as the studs are secure and code is not an issue.
Terry
The studs have about 4 times more flex in that direction. I'd be leery of hanging heavy cabinets on the wall (and pantry cabinets tend to be heavy).
I would go ahead and hang them
Most of the weight is cllose to the wall and in shear. The tendancy to bend those flat 2x4's will be very minimal. The force pulling them out will be towards the upper end of the wall-close to the plate (of whatever) that holds them in line.
Thanks for your advice- I will stiffen the wall by adding 2x6s
Thanks for the advice regarding the 2x4 studs laying flat in my pantry wall. I have decided to give my Kreg jig set a workout by installing 2x6s laid flat between the 2x4s. These will be secured with pocket-hole screws (love Kreg tools!) at the height of the nailing ledger of the cabinets and near the bottom of the cabinets to stifffen the wall and provide a wide, strong support in which to screw the cabinets. Don't have to worry about hitting the studs!
I hate nailing sideways or toenailing so the pocket screws are great for this application.
short screws
Remember to use short enough mounting screws that they don't pop off the plaster.
I only say that because I normally use 2-1/2-inch long #14 screws to hang cabinets, and I kow they would go out the other side.
smart-I commend you for going to the extreme.
And seriously, if you have the time, why not. Evidently the wall is opened up and blocking is a nice thing to have when installing any cabinets on any wall.
Just did a repair where the backs of the cabs came loose from the sides and leaned out from the wall at the top a good 3/4". The homowner apologized for putting in those cabs what belonged in there - as many dishes as you can fit. Pity the cab construction wasn't up to par. She's happy now, they're brough back into line, no one sees the added reinforcement behing the crown mold and she doesn't have to put her plates on the bottom of the base cabinet.