You have finally determined to build your dream home and got a professional contractor. But have you decided to use the standard 2×4 or 2×6 exterior walls?
Since most people go with 2×4 exterior walls, you need to know the pros and cons of 2×6 exterior walls before using them.
Unless 2×6 exterior walls add any value to your house construction project, there is no point in using such a type of wall. Let’s get into the main advantages and disadvantages of 2×6 exterior walls.
This will aid you to go on the path to a better decision for picking the option.
The Advantages And Disadvantages Of 2×6 Exterior Walls
Are you in a hurry? Want to have a quick idea about the 2×6 construction benefits and drawbacks? Check this small table to get brief details about 2×6 exterior walls.
| Pros | Cons |
| A better-insulated home | It has an expensive installation cost. |
| Makes the house appears slightly better | It may make your house slightly small. |
| Increases the Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating | |
| An energy-efficient option | |
| Meets the standard of tougher fire codes | |
| Better home protection | |
The Advantages Of 2×6 Exterior Walls
Let’s get into the advantages of 2×6 Exterior Walls first. I will mention each of them sequentially to help you learn why you should choose these walls over typical walls.
- A Better Insulated Home
Are you living in a highly cold or hot area? In such as case, you need a better-insulated home.
2×6 exterior walls are a perfect choice to keep your home relatively cool during hot days.
Also, they effectively keep your internal home temperature hot during the colder days.
But ensuring proper insulation is crucial to retain a convenient temperature in your residence.
- Better Home Appearance
This is often an overlooking factor. Due to the extra thickness of door and window jambs, the overall appearance of your home will be rich and classic.
Since it is a unique yet charming feature, you will add extra value when you plan to sell your house. You can demand extra money for being stand out from the rest.
- Increased The Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating
Living in a noisy area? You may have already been fed up with it. Thankfully, 2×6 exterior walls can increase the sound transmission class (STC) rating.
This type of wall effectively reduces outdoor noises inside the home better than 2x4s. The thicker walls ensure a minimal volume of sound will enter your house.
- An Energy-efficient Option
If saving energy is your main goal, 2×6 exterior walls appear one of the best choices. Since it helps you achieve an optimal and comfortable temperature, you need to use the air conditioner or heater for less time.
This will save your overall monthly electricity bills.
Apart from that, it appears to be an eco-friendly option since you are using less of the amount of energy. So, 2×6 exterior walls can keep internal home conditions comfortable for a long time.
Along with it, you will save a lot of money annually.
- Meets The Standard Of Tougher Fire Codes
If you live in a risky area where fire can enter your house from any hazardous issues, 2×6 exterior walls are better than 2×4.
The extra thick layer of construction will prevent fire from getting inside the house easily. In fact, homes with 2×6 exterior walls near fire brigades meet the standard of tougher fire codes.
- Better Home Protection
Your home construction plays a key role in keeping you safe from bad weather. Several studies found that 2×6 exterior walls provide better protection than 2×4 walls.
This thick wall can safeguard your house from heavy storms, hurricanes, and earthquakes. In addition, thicker walls prevent different types of deadly insects from entering homes.
Disadvantages Of 2×6 Exterior Walls
Though 2×6 exterior walls don’t have too many disadvantages, you should still learn about them. Below are some drawbacks of using 2×6 exterior walls.
- Expensive Installation Cost
Better things have a better price.
Since the thickness of 2×6 Exterior Walls is 2 inches higher than 2×4 walls, you need to spend additional money for each foot.
Hence, you will have to bear a significant amount of extra cost for installing 2×6 Exterior Walls for your home construction.
But it is worth the price you pay in the long run.
- Makes House Slightly Small
If you plan to build a small house, its appearance may look slightly smaller due to the extra layer of 2×6 exterior walls.
They will cover more space in your house and reduce the usable space. This may not be an issue for massive homes but a major factor when trying to get as usable space as possible.
Lastly, watch this short video to understand exactly when to use such walls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
After going through this post, you may have some questions. Here are a few of them.
Most exterior walls are 2×4 since they are more common and affordable options. Plus, not areas of a particular state can build 2×6 exterior walls since it needs to follow local building codes.
The maximum R-value for a 2×6 wall can be up to R-39, while the minimum value is R-19. Generally, R-value is determined by a particular material, thickness, density, and cavity depth.
As per the recommendation of the ICF construction standard, the thickness of exterior walls should be 12 inches, but it will reduce your room size and minimize overall usable spaces.
You can use R-19 or R-21 kraft-faced fiberglass insulation to insulate a 2×6 exterior wall. This type of insulating material can help you maintain an optimal temperature for your house.
Final Thought
So, what have you decided after going through the pros and cons of 2×6 exterior walls?
Should you use this type of wall in your house construction or use the regular version. It is important first to figure out whether your current area has permission to build these walls.
Though the initial investment cost is slightly higher for 2×6 exterior walls, it will provide increased service value in the future. More importantly, you will be able to ensure a comfortable and safer environment inside your house.
