What minimum grading is required for studs in 1-2 family dwellings?

The minimum grading required for studs in one to two-family dwellings is No. 2. This grade provides the necessary strength and stability required for structural components. Studs graded as No. 2 are allowed to have a few more defects than No. 1, yet they still meet the structural requirements for typical residential construction.

Choosing a grade lower than No. 2, such as No. 3 or No. 4, would not provide sufficient structural integrity, as these grades allow for more knots, wider annual ring spacing, and potentially other issues that could compromise the performance of the studs in a building. Therefore, using No. 2 studs ensures that the construction adheres to building codes and standards for safety and durability.