Blocking for a Wall

The Blocking for a Wall calculator computes the lumber and length of blocking in a wall based on the dimensions of the wall and the stud spacing.

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose your preferred length units (e.g. feet or meters) and enter the following:

• (L) Length of Wall
• (H) Height of Wall
• (oC) on-Center Spacing of studs
• (SB) Blocking Spacing (default: 48")

Blocking (TB): The calculator computes the number and length of individual blocking boards.  It also returns the total length of blocking lumber.

The Math / Science

A stud framed wall may need blocking if there is substantial lateral load for materials being attached to the wall.  This is common for exterior walls with certain kinds of siding.  Blocking is short boards attached between the studs.  Some times blocking is randomly placed, but more often it is run in lines that support the top of other materials such at T1-11 wall boards that come in 4x8 sheets.

Stud Framing Calculators

• Studs for a Wall: Computes the number of studs (e.g., 2x4s) needed to build a wall based on the length of the wall and spacing.
• Stud Cost for a Wall: Computes the cost of studs in a wall based on the number of studs needed to frame a wall and the unit price of a stud.
• Blocking for a Wall: Compute the number and length of blocking boards.
• Studs for a Room: Computes the number of stud boards required to frame a room based on the length of the four walls.  Note: the stud count includes the extra studs at the corners where the walls meet.
• Stud Cost for a Room: Computes the cost of stud boards required for a room based on the length of the four walls and and on the unit price of the boards.
• Plate Boards for Room: Computes the number of top and bottom plate boards required for a room based on the length of the four walls and whether the top plate is doubled or single.
• Plate Boards Cost for a Room: Computes the cost of plate boards required for a room based on the length of the four walls and whether the top plate is doubled or single and on the unit price of the boards. 
• Room Framing Cost: Computes the cost of studs and plate boards required for a room based on the length of the four walls and and on the unit price of the boards used for studs and plates.