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6.3.9 Construction of timber partitions

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

setting out and workmanship
size of timber members
fixing.

6.3.9.1 Setting out and workmanship

Timber partitions should be:

placed so the lowest timber is positioned at or above the internal finished floor level (see Figure 8)
correctly positioned, square and plumb
have studwork spaced at centres to suit the plasterboard thickness
have extra studs at openings, as required.

6.3.9.2 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

Component	Size
Sole plate, rails and head binders	63mm x 38mm
Studs	63mm x 38mm at maximum 600mm centres
Blocking/nogging for support of plasterboard	43mm x 38mm
Blocking/nogging for other purposes	63mm x 38mm

Framing joints should be secured with two nails per joint.

6.3.9.3 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 against floor joists or roof trusses.

Where partitions are non load-bearing, allowance should be made for floors, ceilings or roofs to deflect as necessary, so that the partition does not become load-bearing, in accordance with the design.