Sometimes I wonder if paying a little extra for premium is worth it, just to save the hassle...
I get where you're coming from, but honestly, I can't bring myself to cough up the extra cash for "premium" when half the time it's barely better. Sure, you might save some time at the yard, but if you're on a budget, every dollar counts. I'd rather spend a few extra minutes picking through the stack than pay double. It's frustrating, yeah, but I just can't justify the markup most days. Maybe I'm stubborn, but that's how I see it.
Honestly, I’ve wrestled with this too. I remember a remodel a couple years back where I tried to go cheap, thinking I’d just pick through the pile and find the “good enough” studs. Ended up spending way more time than I expected, and even then, a few still twisted up on me after install. It was a headache fixing drywall cracks later.
That said, I totally get the budget angle. Sometimes the so-called “premium” stuff isn’t all that straight either. I do wonder if a lot of this comes down to how fast they’re drying the lumber now. Seems like everything’s being rushed through the mills, and it’s just not seasoned like it used to be. Has anyone noticed if kiln-dried or FSC-certified studs hold up straighter? Or is it all basically the same these days, no matter what you pay?
Title: Why does every stud seem to be warped these days?
I’ve noticed the same thing, and honestly, I’m not convinced the “premium” label means much anymore. Kiln-dried might help a bit with stability, but I’ve still seen those twist up after a few months, especially in humid spots. FSC-certified is great from a sustainability angle, but I haven’t seen much difference in straightness or quality. Has anyone tried engineered studs or metal alternatives for interior walls? Curious if they’re worth the extra cost or just another headache.
Engineered studs are a big step up for straightness and consistency, at least in my experience. They cost more, but you don’t get the cupping and bowing you see with regular lumber—especially if you’re dealing with long runs or tight finish work. Metal studs are even straighter and immune to humidity, but they need different fasteners and take a bit of getting used to. For non-load-bearing interior walls, metal’s actually pretty hassle-free once you get the hang of it... just watch out for the noise if you’re running electrical.
Title: Why Does Every Stud Seem To Be Warped These Days?
I’ve noticed the same thing with engineered studs—they’re definitely more reliable for straightness, but I keep wondering about the environmental impact. They use more adhesives and processing, which makes me pause, even if the waste from tossing warped lumber is a problem too. Has anyone looked into the lifecycle footprint of engineered versus traditional lumber or metal studs?
Metal’s great for straight lines, but I’ve heard mixed things about its recyclability and embodied energy. Plus, I’m not sure how it performs in terms of sound transmission compared to wood. For those who’ve switched to metal or engineered products, did you weigh the sustainability factors, or was it mostly about performance and cost? I’m always torn between what’s best for the build and what’s best for the planet...
