Totally agree that framing technique is often underestimated. I've seen plenty of projects where crews think they're saving time by skipping proper blocking or bracing, only to spend twice as long later trying to fix warped walls or bowed studs. Wood movement is inevitable, sure, but solid framing can definitely minimize the headaches.
One thing I've been wondering lately—have you experimented much with engineered lumber for studs and framing members? I've heard mixed things about cost vs. benefit, but some builders swear by it for straighter walls and fewer callbacks. Curious if anyone here has firsthand experience with engineered studs and whether the upfront investment actually pays off in reduced labor and straighter finishes down the line...
I've used engineered studs on a couple of projects, and honestly, the difference was noticeable. Straighter walls, fewer headaches later on... yeah, upfront cost stings a bit, but the reduced callbacks and labor savings made it worth it for me. Might be worth trying at least once.
"Straighter walls, fewer headaches later on... yeah, upfront cost stings a bit, but the reduced callbacks and labor savings made it worth it for me."
Gotta agree here. Last year, I worked on a reno where we fought warped lumber every step of the way—drywall install was a nightmare and hanging cabinets later was just painful. Next project, we bit the bullet and went engineered. Honestly? Night and day difference. Walls went up quicker, trims aligned perfectly... clients noticed too. Upfront costs hurt, sure, but fewer headaches down the road make it a no-brainer.
Fair points here, but honestly, lumber isn't always the villain it's made out to be. I've seen plenty of high-end builds stick with traditional lumber and turn out beautifully straight walls—it's about sourcing quality materials and proper drying/storage. Engineered is great, no doubt, but sometimes feels a bit sterile to me... something about the character and warmth of natural wood framing still resonates, especially in luxury homes. Just my two cents.
Good points—I agree lumber isn't inherently problematic. From a budget perspective, though, sourcing consistently high-quality lumber can get tricky (and pricey). I've noticed that even with careful selection, there's always a few boards that warp or twist unexpectedly. Engineered lumber might lack some charm, but it does offer predictability, which can save headaches (and money) down the line. Still, if you've got the patience and resources, traditional lumber definitely has its appeal.
