You are probably anxiously trying to get a wall stud to hang your TV mount, shelf, or a picture. Unfortunately, most stud finders you get on the market are quite inconsistent. The more you learn the basics of construction, the easier it is for you to find a stud based on logic instead of using the equipment. The following are some of the tips to help you find the right stud without having to purchase any fancy equipment.
Understand Wall Construction
Although each house is quite different, there are certain things you can rely on. In fact, stick-framed houses are likely to be built with the 2×4 or 2×6 studs. These are the basics you ought to know regarding how walls are framed.
- You can find studs on either side of the door or window. However, their placement can only be determined by the floor plan.
- Electrical boxes are attached to studs on one side
- Studs are spaced between 16-inch and 24 inches in the center. However, 16-inch is a commonly used dimension.
Look at the Trim
The fact that the baseboard ought to be attached to studs lookout to check whether you can spot where it is nailed. Usually, the holes are filled with caulk and then painted. Even then, you can easily identify the position of the stud. When you get one, try to measure 16-inch increments to find additional studs.
Use the Switch
If you fail to check out the trim, then you should look for outlets or switches. In this way, you will know that one side of the electrical box is mounted on the stud. Even if you are not good at trying the knock test on a wall, you can easily detect from tapping the side of the outlet that is attached to a stud.
Measure from the Corner
Considering that the studs are 16-inch on the center, with calculations from the corners of the room, you can identify the studs. The only problem with this method is that it is a bit iffy as all rooms are not built based on numbers that are divisible by 16. Therefore, there are instances you will have a stud that is less than 16 inches from the corner.
It is advisable to take pictures of your house while under construction. Ensure you take pictures of each room after they are framed and before they hang the drywall. In fact, reference photos can be quite important sometimes.