Notice: This site currently shows the 2012/2017 edition of the Ontario Building Code. The current legally effective code is the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24), in effect since January 1, 2025. Confirm current requirements at ontario.ca.

The Ontario Building Code | Size and Spacing of Studs in Exterior Walls

9.24.2.5. Size and Spacing of studs in exterior Walls

(1) The size and spacing of non-loadbearing steel studs for exterior walls shall conform to Table 9.24.2.5.

Table 9.24.2.5.
Size and Spacing of Steel studs for Non-loadbearing Exterior walls

Forming Part of Sentence 9.24.2.5.(1)

Item

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Column 4

Column 5

Minimum stud Size, mm

Minimum Metal Thickness, mm

Maximum stud Length, m

Spacing of studs

305 mm (o.c.)

406 mm (o.c.)

610 mm (o.c.)

1.

30 × 91

0.53

3.0

2.4

2.

30 × 91

0.69

3.3

2.7

2.4

3.

30 × 91

0.85

3.6

3.0

2.7

4.

30 × 91

1.0

4.0

3.3

3.0

9.24.3. installation

In Plain Language

Steel studs in exterior walls must meet the size and spacing requirements set out in this article, generally more demanding than interior wall requirements given added wind and weather loads.

This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.