A contractor in Boise told me I was crazy to use 2x4s for a non-load-bearing partition wall, but after checking the code and seeing the $200 savings on lumber, I went ahead and built it anyway.

He was adamant that 'no real builder uses anything less than 2x6s for interior walls anymore,' but my 8-foot partition has been perfectly solid for 3 years now, so has anyone else successfully pushed back on overbuilding advice to save money?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_jason13d ago

Actually, 2x4s are still the standard for non-load-bearing walls in most places... the contractor was just wrong.

craig.drew13d ago

That contractor in Boise was just trying to upsell you. I framed a whole basement with 2x4s for partition walls and the inspector didn't blink. @the_jason is right, it's still standard. The only time I go bigger is for sound or if I need the extra space for plumbing. Your wall is fine, and saving that $200 was the smart move. Some guys just build things the way they've always done it without checking the actual code.