TOPIC: subflooring question

That's what I was thinking and have observed, that in a few of the houses here in California that I've been in crawlspaces had 16" between studs. He's saying there was about 24" seems I would think is over code.

I've seen truss systems that were 20" oc. An 8' piece of plywood will not end up on a truss, and, of course the builder is not going to cut off 16" from each sheet. They use an "H" clip to keep the joints stable. I think they stink. Without attempting to quoute "code," in such a case, the only thing that would satisfy me, would be a second layer of plywood with alternating joints.

Steven, how in gods name did they end up with 20"?
Were they attempting to layout California framing and could not see the little indicator marks on their tape rules for the 19-3/16"?
Just curious.

Hi Marcel,

Well to be honest with you, I saw it in 1979. Attached townhouses. It very well could have been 19-3/16. Since I was measuring nail heads, my 20" was a rough measurment.

Whichever it was, the plywood joints did not line up with the trusses, and the joints were spongy. When I redid the place, I put down another layer of plywood and made sure the joints were staggered. It was good when I was done.

Can you explain California framing?

Hi. Steven, California framing is how I have always heard it and when it started or how it came about is beyond me.
All I know is that it is depicted on your tape rule as a little diamond symbol.

It is called the 19.2" spacing center to center framing.
If you look on a measuring tape between 19 and 20 inches you will usually find a little diamond. This little diamond is another measurement for laying out eight-foot walls or floors. So instead of using 16 inch on center layout you can use 19 1/4 for stud spacing. This will save you an additional stud in your wall or floor joist every 8 feet.

search.yahoo.com/search?p=wood+stud+spac...8dYNSkQ--,1243296545

19.2" and 24" On Center Framing
Wall and floor framing spacing can often be widened to 19.2" (1/5 of an 8' sheet) or 24" on center (roof framing spacing is already typically 24"). This strategy can be combined with modular layout and single top plate for added economy, but can also be used independently. Some insulation manufacturers do not make insulation for 19.2" spaced framing, so using this spacing in an insulated wall may require changing the type or brand of insulation.


Hope this helps. 

That's a great explanation.

That must have been exactly what it was. There were alot of these units built, so I imagine if the guy could use 1 less every eight feet, you're talking alot of trusses.

BUT... I don't like it. Every joint should be supported.