How About a 2 By 5 House

The possibility of using 2 x 5 lumber for house framing and truss fabrication is discussed. Because of the slightly larger cross section of lumber, use of lower grades might be possible. Use of larger lumber in trusses could allow longer spans. Use of large amounts of structurally graded lumber in trusses would create supplies of lower grade material, which could be used for wall plates, studs and blocking lintels, headers, truss webs, gable overhang framing, and similar purposes. Benefits of using a 2 x 5 could include allowing space for 12 inches of attic insulation and 4-1/2 inches of wall insulation; building up of lintels and headers without spaces; and providing a larger compression area on the wall plates. Though there would be a slight increase in the volume of lumber required for house frame, there would be a slight reduction in number of board feet required (comparing 2 x 5 walls 24 inches on center with 2 x 4 walls 16 inches on center).

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