I just can’t justify paying double or more unless it’s something really visible or important structurally.
Totally get that. I’m always looking at the bottom line, and those engineered studs just don’t seem worth it for most projects. I’d rather spend the extra cash on better insulation or fixtures. If it’s just a few wavy studs behind drywall, who’s gonna notice? As long as the wall’s straight enough to hang stuff, I’m good. Anyone else feel like the lumber yards are just pushing the pricier stuff lately?
If it’s just a few wavy studs behind drywall, who’s gonna notice?
Honestly, I’ve had the same thought plenty of times. Years ago, I spent hours picking through stacks at the yard, trying to find straight ones. Now, it feels like you’re lucky if half the pile isn’t twisted. Unless it’s for something like a tiled wall or cabinets, I just shim and move on. The price jump for engineered studs is wild—definitely rather put that money into things you actually see or feel every day.
Unless it’s for something like a tiled wall or cabinets, I just shim and move on.
Yeah, I get where you’re coming from. For most interior walls, a little wave behind the drywall isn’t the end of the world. But I’ve noticed over time that even small warps can mess with things like trim or baseboards—sometimes you don’t see it until the light hits just right and then it bugs you forever.
One thing that’s helped me is letting the lumber acclimate for a few days before using it. Stack it flat, stickered if you can, and sometimes they’ll relax a bit. Not perfect, but it helps. Also, if you’re up for it, try to use kiln-dried studs when possible—they tend to stay straighter (though yeah, they cost more).
I hear you on engineered studs being pricey. Still, for exterior walls or anywhere moisture might be an issue, I’ll bite the bullet. Less waste in the long run and better energy performance too. Just my two cents—sometimes spending a little more up front saves headaches later.
Honestly, I’ve had jobs where I thought I could just shim and move on, but then the baseboard gaps drove me nuts later. I’ve started being pickier at the lumber yard, even if it takes longer. Sometimes I’ll dig through half the stack just to find a dozen straight ones. It’s a pain, but less hassle than fixing wavy walls after the fact. Kiln-dried helps, but lately even those aren’t perfect... maybe it’s just the way they’re rushing stuff through the mills now.
Kiln-dried helps, but lately even those aren’t perfect... maybe it’s just the way they’re rushing stuff through the mills now.
You’re onto something there. I’ve noticed the same thing—used to be you could count on kiln-dried to be at least halfway decent, but lately? Not so much. I’ve had “premium” studs twist up like soft pretzels after a week in a climate-controlled jobsite. It’s not just annoying, it’s wasteful. I can’t help but think we’re paying the price for speed over quality these days. And honestly, all that extra sorting and culling just means more wood gets tossed or chipped. That doesn’t sit right with me, especially when there are better forestry practices out there... but they’re rarely what ends up at the big box store.