Internal walls

6.3
Also See:
9.2

6.3.9Construction of timber partitions

Construction of timber stud internal walls shall ensure adequate stability, including:

  1. setting out and workmanship
  2. size of timber members
  3. fixing.

Setting out and workmanship

Partitions should be:

  • correctly positioned, square and plumb
  • have studwork spaced at centres to suit the plasterboard thickness
  • have extra studs at openings, as required.

Size of timber members

Timber partitions should be constructed in accordance with the design information. Unless designed otherwise, the minimum specification for all partitions should be in accordance with Table 3.

Table 3: Timber sizes for partition walls

ComponentSize
Sill and head plates63mm x 38mm
Studs63mm x 38mm at maximum 600mm centres
Blocking/nogging for support of plasterboard43mm x 38mm
Blocking/nogging for other purposes63mm x 38mm

Framing joints should be secured with two nails per joint.

Fixing

Partitions should:

  • be firmly fixed to each other and to abutting walls; noggings or extra studs should be used where necessary
  • be fixed to the structure where possible
  • be fixed to noggings when parallel to structural elements
  • not be over-wedged at floor level
  • not be wedged against ceiling joists or roof trusses.

Noggings should be provided to support fittings, such as radiators, wall mounted boilers, sanitary fittings and kitchen units.