I get the appeal of engineered lumber, but man, the price jump is tough to swallow when you’re trying to keep a project on budget. Last time I framed a closet, I spent way too long sorting through twisted studs at the big box store. Ended up with a few that looked straight enough, but by the time I got them home and they acclimated... yeah, not so much. I guess you save time (and headaches) with engineered stuff, but for basic walls, I still grit my teeth and pick through the pile.
WHY DOES EVERY STUD SEEM TO BE WARPED THESE DAYS?
I hear you on the sticker shock for engineered lumber. I used to be all about saving a few bucks and picking through stacks at the yard, but after one too many wavy walls, I started factoring in the time lost to fixing issues later. Engineered studs are pricey, but they’re dimensionally stable—less waste, less rework. For exterior or load-bearing walls, I just bite the bullet now. For closets or non-critical stuff, yeah, I still play stud roulette... but it’s always a gamble.
WHY DOES EVERY STUD SEEM TO BE WARPED THESE DAYS?
- I get the appeal of engineered studs, but honestly, I still stick with regular lumber most of the time. Yeah, you have to pick through the pile, but there’s a certain satisfaction in finding the good ones.
- If you store them flat and let them acclimate for a few days before using, I’ve had better luck with less warping.
- Engineered is great, but sometimes it feels like overkill for basic interior walls. Maybe I’m just stubborn, but I’d rather save the cash and spend a little extra time up front.
WHY DOES EVERY STUD SEEM TO BE WARPED THESE DAYS?
- Yeah, picking through the pile is just part of it now. I swear, quality’s dropped in the last decade.
- Letting them acclimate does help, but sometimes even after that, you get a banana-shaped one.
- Engineered studs are nice for tall walls or when you need dead straight, but for closets and basic stuff? Regular lumber works if you’re picky and patient. Just wish it wasn’t such a hunt.
WHY DOES EVERY STUD SEEM TO BE WARPED THESE DAYS?
I get the frustration, but honestly, I’m not convinced engineered studs are always worth the extra cost, even for tall walls. I’ve had a few jobs where the engineered ones still had issues—maybe not as crooked, but sometimes they’re bowed or have weird splits. And the price difference adds up fast, especially if you’re doing a whole basement or something.
Regular lumber’s a pain to sort through, yeah, but if you’re careful and don’t mind a little elbow grease, you can usually make it work. I just can’t justify paying double or more unless it’s something really visible or important structurally. Maybe I’m just cheap, but I’d rather spend the money elsewhere and deal with a few warped studs here and there.
