2X6's have the advantage of letting you use thicker insulation, which may cost a little more now, but give you 50% more insulation in your walls.

That translates to Better sound proofing and better engergy conservation for years to come.

I would go for it.

mgabriel,

If you scroll down to near the bottom of the main page there is a "search" engine to look up previous topics. I believe there is a discussion on 2X6 versus 2X4 framing.

Welcome!!

Your windows will be slightly more expensive as well because of jamb extenders required as well as the insulation but I believe it to be work it. Stronger structure, deeper wells better insulation and sound barrier and I also suggest blown in cellulose insulation for its better air infiltration /insulation qualities.

IF it were just the energy savings you were looking for from using thicker walls, everything I've ever read says there's no payback for the total cost involved. BUT, you seem more interested in the sills, etc. I used 2x4 walls, fully cased the windows with fluted trim and had deeper sills installed, theyre 5.5 inches deep. Just think "yes, we can!"

You can do 2x6's on 24 inch centers instead of 2x4's on 16 inch centers, which will reduce the number of thermal breaks and provide a thermally superior envelope.

Google will find you the details, or start with Building Science Corp.

Here is a link that might be useful: Building Science Corporation

Our last house, built in 2001 in northern Indiana, had 2x6 framing because the builder always uses that. We noticed a huge difference in noise from the outside. We were on a lake, and simply didn't hear boats or wave runners any more. We have no way of documenting lower heating and cooling costs, but they were lower than we'd expected. Our builder said that has always been his experience.

Our new house is in middle Tennessee, built by the same builder (and framed by the same Indiana Amish framers!), is also 2x6. We've only been in for about 2 months, but our two utility bills have been reasonable for this size house -- and we've had some 90 degree weeks! We're happy with the decision.

2 X 6 walls DO save energy, no question about it, but at a cost. It would be good to hear from a builder who prices out plans, he can readily make the change. Also, walls aren't anywhere near as bad an energy culprit as the type of glass, and the biggie....the roof.

Deeper framing will not create deeper window sills unless you get custom made windows, however, deeper framing will create deeper interior jambs and stools so the additional trim can be expensive.

I built out new house with 2 x 6 for a few reasons:

1- our last house had 2 x 4. Everytime the garage door slammed, you could hear a few things in cabs and shelves rattle

2- I used blown-in cellulose. The thicker the better I always say

3- The extra cost for 2 x 6 was about $500 - $750 in lumber and $0 for windows. It was a no-brainer

Energy concerns are not uniform across the country. In the North, 2x6 walls are more common. Nobody in Middle TN usually uses 2x6s so you will get some resistance and some mistakes. I considered it but was given the answer that it would make more financial sense to upgrade the insulation in other ways.

I had an energy audit done (prior to build) and it echoed what has been said here - walls are not a big deal. I think about $100 a year was spent on wall losses. With all associated costs - we were getting to $2500 to go with 2x6 construction. Even if the wall loss was cut in half, you were looking at 50 year payback - which is to say never given the time cost of money.

With so many things coming in at

Agreed

Our passive solar home has 2x6 construction, as specified by the architect. Not a single builder we talked to regarding the build had any issues with the 2x6 construction, and that included some who did have issues with building a tight house. In other words, even those who weren't too up to date on things, didn't have any problem with 2x6 construction.

None of the builders that submitted proposals suggested switching to 2x4 construction as a cost saving measure. All of the builders made such suggestions in other areas.

Our builder and the framing subs doing the work haven't made a single negative comment regarding the 2x6 walls.

We are building in East Tennessee. I doubt things are much different in Middle Tennessee. East Tennessee is much more conservative than Middle Tennessee. If there was resistance to 2x6 construction in Tennessee, I would expect it here, rather than there.

Thanks for all the input. It has been very helpful. IÂve spoken with our framer and the labor cost will be the same. I think we are going to go with 2x6Âs. We like the deeper window jambs that you get with 2x6Âs. For us, the energy savings is a added bonus.

We went with 2x6. It was a no brainer because we live in Massachusetts. Plus, the builder said that it would be code soon.