How Do I Know If My House Has 2X6 Framing?

It's a good idea to know the size of the framing in your house.

It may also be used in areas where extra soundproofing may be needed, such as near a highway. Special door jambs and window casings are needed for 2-by-6-inch construction, though, so it's a good idea to know if you have it in your house.

1. Open a door and measure the distance from the outside edge of the outside trim to the inside edge of the inside trim. This distance will be a little more than 8 inches if you have 2-by-6-inch framing and a little more than 6 inches if you have 2-by-4-inch framing.

2. Pry off a piece of interior trim from around the door or a window.

3. Insert a straight edge into the gap as far as it will go and note the measurement on the stud framing the door or window. It will be 51/2 inches if you have 2-by-6-inch studs and 3 1/2 inches if you have 2-by-4-inch studs.

4. Examine any unfinished exterior wall in the basement or in a closet and measure the width of the studs.