Mixing engineered and regular studs in the same wall? Honestly, I’ve seen it done, but it can get weird. The engineered ones stay straight, but the regulars still twist and bow over time, so you end up with a wavy surface anyway. If you’re gonna spend the money on engineered, I’d say commit to it for that whole section or you’re just chasing your tail. Regular lumber’s fine for most stuff if you take the time to cull through and pick the best of the bunch... just takes patience (and a forgiving lumber yard).
I get where you’re coming from about mixing engineered and regular studs, but I don’t think it’s always a recipe for disaster. I’ve actually had some luck using engineered just around doorways and windows, then going with good ol’ SPF for the rest. If you’re careful about layout and you keep your drywall guy in the loop, it doesn’t have to end up all wavy.
That said, I do agree with this bit:
Regular lumber’s fine for most stuff if you take the time to cull through and pick the best of the bunch... just takes patience (and a forgiving lumber yard).
Totally true, but man, sometimes “patience” means standing in the aisle for an hour picking through a pile of warped 2x4s... not my favorite way to spend a Saturday.
I guess it comes down to budget and how much you trust your local supplier. Engineered’s definitely more predictable, but if you’re building green, sometimes using less-processed wood (even with its quirks) feels better for the planet. Just my two cents.
Mixing engineered and SPF might work for some, but I’ve had drywallers complain about the difference in movement over time—especially in places with big temp swings. I get what you mean about “patience” at the lumber yard, though:
sometimes “patience” means standing in the aisle for an hour picking through a pile of warped 2x4s...
Honestly, if budget’s tight, is it really worth paying extra for engineered just around openings? I’d rather spend that on better insulation or windows. Seems like straightening out a stud here and there is less hassle than mixing types and hoping it all lines up down the road.
Title: Struggling To Keep Walls Straight When Building With Lumber
I hear you on the engineered vs. SPF debate—honestly, unless you’re in a super high-humidity or extreme climate, I’ve found good old patience at the yard goes a long way. I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit sighting down studs and tossing half the pile aside, but it’s usually worth it. Engineered around openings is nice, but like you said, that money can go further elsewhere. A straight stud is great, but a drafty window or poor insulation will bother you way more in the long run.
I get what you’re saying about prioritizing insulation and air sealing. Still, I’ve seen some pretty wild twists in SPF, even after careful picking at the yard. Have you tried using a string line or laser when standing walls? Sometimes it’s the only way I catch those subtle bows before it’s too late...