How many 2x4's needed to build shed 18x20?

Answer 1

If you are talking studs only and spaced at normal 16" o.c. at least 48 and including 1 or 2 extra to make your outside corners properly figure about 56 to 60. this does not include double top plates and single bottom plate which should be as long as practical. these will total about 192 lineal (actual) feet.

Answer 2

When figuring a material list based on 16" centers 1 per foot usually comes out right.

16+16+24+24=80

I would order 80 studs.

If you are using them for plates you need 30 more.

Answer 3

42 or more. Assuming the studs are placed 16 inches on center, a 12 foot wall takes one at the beginning and 3 more for every four feet for a total of 10. A 10 foot wall starts with one at the beginning, 3 more for every four feet so seven will get you to eight feet. One more takes you to 9 feet, 4 inches and a ninth to complete 10 feet with a smaller space at one end of the wall. That would put two studs at each corner, but standard practice uses three studs a a corner, so add one more for each corner.

So, we have 10+9+10+9+4 = 42. However, there's no door or windows at this point. The studs at either side of doors or windows are doubled, but you generally save a stud in middle, so add one for each door or window, and enough to make jack studs above and below windows and above doors.

Answer 4

Builders will normally order 1 per foot when framing 16" on center to cover the cripples and corners. This does not include the wood required for the bottom and top plate.