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LOCATING WALL STUDS
1. Background Information
Wall studs, the vertical wood support structures within the walls of most homes, are used to anchor HouseWerks shelving units. These studs are made from pine 2" X 4" lumber (actual measurements are 1.5" X 3.5"). Because the studs are not visible (covered by sheetrock or paneling), determining the location of the studs can be challenging. In most construction, the distance between the centers of adjacent wooden studs is 16", however in some cases the spacing is 20" or 24". Once you find the first stud, the rest are usually easier to find. As you face the wall, the 1.5" edge of the stud is facing you, i.e., the inside of the wall between the layers of wall covering is 3.5" deep. Because there is only a 1.5" wide area to attach the shelves, accuracy is very important in locating the studs. If the shelving is anchored to the very edge of the stud, the weight-bearing capacity of the shelving unit is significantly reduced.
2. Methods and Tools for Finding Studs
Determining the location of the studs along the wall surface can be achieved by using the following methods and tools:
- Magnetic Attraction to Nails in Studs
The most inexpensive and most frequently used locators rely on a magnet to move when the device passes over a nail in the wall that was used to secure the wall covering to the stud. The magnet "points" or "tracks" the position of the nail as it passes over the area. It is best to pass the device over that area from different angles to pinpoint the location of the nail. With some practice, this device works fairly well in finding the nails. Unfortunately this device can lead to problems if the nails found were driven into the edges of the stud or missed the stud altogether. It is necessary to locate a number of the nails before you can draw a line with any confidence that represents the center of the stud.
- Density of the Wall
The more accurate and expensive locators rely on differences in density between the area between the studs (low density) and the area directly over the stud (high density). Most of these devices are electronic and the cost ranges from $20 to $50. If you don't have one and this is the only time it would be used, it probably isn't worth the investment.
A "no cost" method which relies on the differential in wall density is the manual "pounding method". If the wall covering is quite thin or flexible, like certain types of paneling, sheetrock, or other composite material, the "pounding method" works quite well. Pound the wall with the side of your fist. As you move your hand horizontally along the wall, pounding as you go, you will notice areas which sound hollow and "give" when hit. Other areas are more firm and make a higher pitched sound. These areas which are firm are where the studs are located.
- Location of Visible Nail Heads
Another method relies on the placement of visible nail heads in the base molding trim or nail head depressions in the sheetrock which will give you an idea of stud location. Do not assume that all nails are driven into the studs. Some are driven into the horizontal wood plate at the bottom of the wall. Rely only on the position of nails that are least 2" off the floor.
3. Additional Information Resources
For additional information on locating wood studs in walls and devices that make the job easier, consult books on home construction, ask for help at a home improvement center, or check out the following articles:
Tips & Methods for Locating Wall Studs
Products Available for Finding Wall Studs
4. Measure and Mark the Wall for Shelf Installation
- Locate a Stud
Using one of the methods or tools described above, locate the position of one stud on the wall to which the shelving unit will be attached. Follow the steps given below to prepare the wall for shelving installation.
- Mark Vertical Lines on Wall To Show Position of Studs
Once a stud is located by using one of the methods described above, repeat the process several times at varying heights for that stud so that you can draw a vertical line on the wall that is aligned with the center of the stud. Be sure to use a soft-lead pencil and trace lightly so the marks can be erased easily later. Another method is to apply painter's tape to the area, which is easy to remove later and won't pull paint off, and mark the lines on the tape. Make your pencil marks directly on the tape. Do not use Sharpies, ink pens, or any felt tip pens because the marks made may be very difficult to remove. These marks will even bleed through when the wall is painted. If this happens, paint the area with Kilz.
- Mark the Wall at Shelf Attachment Heights
On the vertical line, make a mark at the height of the upper surface of each shelf to be installed. Also make a mark 1.5" below each of the upper surface marks. These lower marks will be used to assure that the vertical line lies over the stud. At each of the "lower marks," either pound a small finish nail (about 2-3" long) or drill a small diameter hole (less than 1/8"). The nail or drill bit must extend beyond the thickness of the wall material, which if sheet rock, is from 0.50" to 0.75". If there is firm resistance after extending beyond 1.5", or if sawdust comes out of the hole drilled, you are aligned with the stud. If the nail or drill bit sinks into the wall quickly after passing through the wall covering, you have missed the stud. If you missed the stud, using a level, lightly trace a horizontal line on the wall at the height of the "lower marks" for about 1-2 feet. Pound a finish nail or drill some exploratory holes along this line every 1.5" until you find a stud. Repeat the steps mentioned above to verify that the lower holes marked lie over the stud.
- Repeat the Process for Each Stud
After the first stud is marked and tested, repeat this process (steps 4a-4c)for each stud along the wall that will have shelving attached. Remember, the centers of the studs are usually 16" apart. The location of the next stud to be marked should be easier to find. After all the studs have been marked and tested, you are ready to proceed with the installation of the shelving unit.
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