CSLB General Building (B)Framing and CarpentryEasy
A framer is selecting lumber for wall studs in a two-story load-bearing exterior wall. Which lumber grade designation is appropriate for this application?
- AUtility grade, since it is the most economical option available
- BEconomy grade, since it meets minimum requirements for interior partitions
- CAny grade is acceptable since studs only support the wall's own weight
- DStud grade or better (such as No. 2 Structural Light Framing), rated for load-bearing use
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Stud grade or better (such as No. 2 Structural Light Framing), rated for load-bearing use
Load-bearing studs must be at least Stud grade or a comparable structural grade (e.g., No. 2) with assigned allowable stress values suitable for bearing walls. Utility and Economy grades lack the strength and stiffness certification for structural bearing applications.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Utility grade is intended for short, non-structural framing, not multi-story bearing walls.
- B. Economy grade is not rated for structural use.
- C. Bearing walls carry floor/roof loads in addition to their own weight, so grade matters.
Stud Grade Selection
Load-bearing walls require lumber graded Stud or better with certified structural allowable stresses, unlike Utility or Economy grades used for non-structural framing.
- Stud grade rated for load-bearing walls
- Utility/Economy grades = non-structural only
- Grade stamp confirms allowable stress values
Memory trick: Bearing walls bear weight—use Stud grade, not 'Utility junk.'