STRUGGLING TO KEEP WALLS STRAIGHT WHEN BUILDING WITH LUMBER
Funny how you mention that—last year, I watched a crew fuss for hours over a single bowed stud in a guest suite. They finally just shimmed it and moved on. Once the Venetian plaster went up, you couldn’t tell at all. I get wanting perfection, but sometimes you have to trust the finish work will do its magic. Still, I can’t help but run my hand along the wall every time, just to check...
STRUGGLING TO KEEP WALLS STRAIGHT WHEN BUILDING WITH LUMBER
Yeah, I get that—sometimes you just have to accept a little imperfection. I’ve tried picking through stacks at the yard for straight studs, but even then, some twist up after a week inside. Shims help, but I always wonder if it’ll show later... Maybe I overthink it?
STRUGGLING TO KEEP WALLS STRAIGHT WHEN BUILDING WITH LUMBER
Honestly, I don’t buy the “just accept imperfection” thing. If you’re building for yourself, maybe, but if you’re doing this at scale or for clients, those little twists and bows can turn into big headaches down the line—drywall cracks, trim gaps, doors that never quite close right. I get that lumber’s not what it used to be, but there are alternatives. Engineered studs cost more up front but save a ton of hassle. Or even just storing your lumber flat and weighted for a few days before framing helps. I’d rather spend a bit more time or money than deal with callbacks later...
STRUGGLING TO KEEP WALLS STRAIGHT WHEN BUILDING WITH LUMBER
I totally get where you’re coming from about not just “accepting” imperfections. I mean, I’ve tried to convince myself a wavy wall is “character,” but it’s hard to sell that when the door won’t latch. Have you noticed if certain lumberyards are worse than others for warped studs? I swear, sometimes I feel like I’m picking through a pile of spaghetti noodles at the big box stores.
I haven’t tried engineered studs yet—are they really that much better, or is it just marketing hype? The price tag always makes me hesitate, but maybe it’s worth it if it saves headaches down the road. Also, does anyone actually have the space to store a bunch of lumber flat and weighted? My garage is already a disaster zone... Maybe I’m missing some trick here.
Curious if you’ve found any other little hacks for keeping things straight. I’ve heard some folks use metal bracing or even rip down slightly bowed studs on a table saw, but that seems like a lot of extra work.
I swear, sometimes I feel like I’m picking through a pile of spaghetti noodles at the big box stores.
That’s been my experience too—some yards are just worse than others for warped studs. Engineered studs are definitely straighter, but yeah, the price can sting. I’ve used them for tall walls or spots where it really matters, and they do save time on shimming and tweaking later. Has anyone tried mixing engineered with regular lumber in the same wall, or does that just create new problems?
