2x4 vs. 2x6

[DeepWoods]

So I'm going to build a garage this year, and I would like some opinions on 2x4 or 2x6 walls.  The garage will be 26 feet deep, and 32 feet wide. I know, not big enough, but it will have to do.  I plan on one course of block on the cement pad, and 4/12 trusses for the roof.  Everything I find says 2x4 will work for an eight foot wall which is what I was planning on.  This would give me approximately a nine foot ceiling in the garage.  I live in northern Minnesota so snow is a factor, but I have no building inspector to worry about as they only want the money for the permit, but no inspection, only for electrical. 

No plans on insulating, if I did I would definitely go 2x6, but just wondering if 2x6 wouldn't give me a better wall to span 32 feet, or does it matter?

I have all the red pine I need waiting for me at my mill, and would like to start cutting when weather permits.  So what would you use?

[Magicman]

You have no plans for insulating but plans change, and no one knows what the future holds.  I absolutely would go with 2X6 studs on 16" centers.

[thecfarm]

Listen to Magicman. I have 2x4 walls. I never thought I would be heating my garage. Well I am. I did go with 10 foot 2x4.

[elk42]

Go with the 2x6

[Cedarman]

While you are waiting and deciding on insulation, 6" walls will let you put a whole lot of 6" wide shelves between the 2x6's.  6" wide is much better to lay stuff on then 4".

[gspren]

  I would also add 2 more courses of block so you can easily put in a 8' tall door without special track. 3 courses of block is 2 feet add your 8' wood and you get a nice 10' ceiling that won't seem overly tall on that size garage.

[sawguy21]

I would not even consider 2x4 for exterior walls. As MM said, 2x6 on 16" centers, save 24" for non bearing partitions.

[isawlogs]

 If you have the wood, go with 2x6, mine here is 22X36 I did it 24" on center.

Are you building your trusses ?   

[Bruno of NH]

I would go with 2 courses of blocks and 8 ft studs 2x6 16 inch oc

[brianJ]

Seems like people are more wondering why you might even consider 4 inch walls.  If I read that correctly you have a sufficent supply of your own pine.   If you dont have site restrictions I strongly suggest going deeper than 26 feet.   Getting longer is cheap square footage as theend walls and doors are the most expensive parts.

[Briankinley2004]

If you're building on standard 8" block I would go with 2x8 studs. That way your siding and interior finishes can lap over the block and you won't have to furr or put on multiple layers of sheathing. I would use a u block on top course and fill with pea gravel concrete. Put an anchor bolt in spaced permyour local code. Also don't forget to either run rebar out of your footing to go up into the concrete filled block cells or epoxy them in. Of course if your using two layers of sheathing anyway or a thick styrofoam then the nominal 2" difference on the block using 6" studs could be worked out with that. Keep in mind nail length as well. In our area it is considered poor practice to not let your finished siding overlap the block or slab. On the exterior

[sawguy21]

That is important to keep water from working it's way under the walls

[dgdrls]

2x6 walls no doubt,  go with the extra block, you can build a taller main door or at least have the option for it,
I would look for a double man door as well.

D

[petefrom bearswamp]

2x6, definitely go for a higher door and ceiling.
Mine is 2x6 but only 9' door and 10 ceiling. not high enough.
My friend went with scissor trusses and has all kinds of headroom.

[drobertson]

I agree with the comment if you have the timber,  mine is 24 x 30, on a two foot stem wall, 6" walls do make better cubby holes, until you insulate,

[OntarioAl]

I am just north of you
2x6 is the way to go and sooner or later somebody is going to insulate
Al

[DeepWoods]

OK, OK, you talked me into 2x6 walls.   But I will have to start a go fund me page to include all of the other great ideas suggested.   Unfortunately, having an eight or nine foot door is out, as I will be reusing the 7x16 door that was on my wood shop after closing off one end.  I may frame it in to put a larger door in later, but for now, I have to use what I have. 

Being that all the studs will green, is there anything that is different with using green wood?  Like I mentioned earlier, I hope to start milling soon, but they will have little drying time before being used.  I had planned on cutting 1/8 over to allow for shrinkage, is that enough for red pine, or should I go 1/4 inch over?

[Magicman]

l would not be concerned about oversizing but consistency.  They will all shrink the same.

Make the door opening wide enough so that you can install a header just below the top plate and then your proposed door opening inside of it.  That way if you ever expand, no structure will be compromised.