Merry Christmas Gang! We've been fulfilling orders ALL morning! Thank you guys for the incredible support. Only a few more hours until we're on a Jet for the Holidays! Let us know where YOU like to put your blocking!
I've used that hole saw / plywood combo to make blocking for a ceiling fan. Maybe I should call it backing, because it was exposed? (I spray painted black.)
I've come to similar conclusions with blocking. especially important in the shower walls for handy cap add ons. On my old house I've just gone ahead and opened up a lot of walls and added large sections of blocking. Makes some things work so much simpler.
How did you miss this one?? I always block everywhere in a house where a door knob can break a hole through the drywall. How many little round holes have you ever seen from door knobs? If you block them, all you get is a little dent in the drywall, no matter how hard they slammed the door open. Anyway, awesome video!!
I've been putting up blocking for doorknobs on rental property for decades when I'm called into fixing those damn holes. I only want to repair each door sheetrock once.
It never occurred to me to intersperse 2 x 6 material alternating with the 2 x 4 material as blocking so that all blocking can be nailed through the framing members, Good idea and good music starting at 7;35. Safe travels.
EXCELLENT Video. 2 years ago when I was having my retirement home built I offered this exact suggestion to my builder. He & I installed probably 45 blocking locations. Like you said; Kitchen, Bathrooms, closets, window treatments & Other locations for things like antique mirrors & wall clocks, plenty for hunt trophies/mounts, etc. More in the garage for fire extinguisher mounts, potential future shelving, etc. We even put some in closets for 'last resort' self defense pew-pew hardware storage. The kitchen & plumber crews loved the blocking as it saved them time & made their install far easier. We even put some blocking support behind electrical outlet boxes to give them support when pushing plugs in them. Finally, we put blocking in the walk thru shower for grab/hold bars for when we lose more of our youthfulness!! Great stuff !!!
Man I love to see a father and son jumping in on a business together, I don't imagine there's any better feeling that having success with your child. Keep on living the dream guys and thanks for the videos, I'm remodeling a mobile home for my family to move in and watch your vids anytime I'm not working. Gg guys.
Right before drywall I took over 350 pictures of my walls. I know where every stud is and where all the electrical and mechanical is and where I pulled cat5e for future use. 20 years later and I’m still referring to those pictures when I do projects. I was only using a 3 Megapixel camera back then. With cameras today I would probably only need 50 pictures to get the detail required.
I have a 130 year old house that I've been remodelling for 20 years - both by myself and with hired contractors. I've taken thousands of pictures at every stage and those have been invaluable in later years - both to make improvements and to fix a few problems - without having to guess and rip everything apart.
Did the same when my previous house was built. Photographed everything. I even used a picture of the footings and drains when I moved the drain because I wanted the bathroom in the basement in a different place. I wish I had the same in my current house. Everything here is a mystery.
Do have to add. Not sure if it’s true or not, but still funny 😄 nevertheless… Some dude claimed to put a “hide and seek champion” shirt on a fake skeleton in his garage before he sheet rocked it 🤣
Whenever I do a bath kitchen remodel I actually write locations of each block, sud in Sharpie. Then take a pix of each wall. As you mentioned, always know where it is later.
Don't just take a photo. Stretch a large number tape measure across the front of the walls,, as you take photos. Measure from both sides of the wall. That way you always will know exactly where everything is.
100% agreed that blocking is a huge timesaver when it comes to various installations. Glad mention was made about documenting it. If no one knows where it is, or that it's even there, might as well not be.
Merry Christmas Stud Pack! Maybe some might consider this subject boring, but I couldn't agree more with you in that: This is one of those unsung heroes of the remodel & construction world. One doesn't truly appreciate how much help well planned & securely installed blocking is - until you need it! Having tough backing is invaluable! Well done guys!!
Thank you guys so much for the tips and tricks for just about everything reno and also the comedy between father and son! That’s the best part of this channel. Have a wonderful Christmas and new year celebration and we’ll see you in the next one!
I’ve done this for years. I see a lot of new construction, of late more 55+ communities where folks accidentally use their toilet paper holder as a grab bar. The pull out on the drywall is significant and the repair even more so. Construction companies rarely do blocking. It’s just got to hold until the warranty is expired. Usually find other things like towel racks but sometimes one side is sunk into a stud, it’s a crap shoot on the other side if it hits a stud or not. I use the pix method to locate blocking later. Thanks for emphasizing this Stud Pack!
Merry Christmas great content I’ve been a contractor for over 40 years my mentor taught me to always install blocking and it saved me a lot of time and money over the years
Its so nice to see a father and son working together and getting along so well y'all are amazing. You can really see how much y'all care about one another
Great tips! Quality work. Other things I like to do to future proof are: Run both electric (240V) and gas (even if there's no nat. gas available) lines for Stove/Range, Water Heater, and Dryer. A neutral to all switch boxes since many high-tech switches require a neutral. Possibly, also, low volt lines for security, door, window, motion sensors, and speaker wire to all rooms for whole house audio. It's a lot easier and cheaper to do it when the walls are open.
And please add outlets in the laundry room! We added a shelf (quartz) over the washer/dryer. That covers the only outlet in the laundry room (thanks to the builder). Now there is no where to plug in charging stations.
@@1packatak not providing an outlet for an iron in the laundry room is about as low-bid as it gets. but it shouldn't be a major project to install a GFCI receptacle directly above the receptacle for the washer. - or a double box if you need that much.
I'm the first non builder contracted person to work in many new homes and wish the builders would take some 1x6 boards and toss them up around their windows when doing the furring strips. These are block first floor so the 1x6 would match the furring strip thickness and tossing them in from window top to ceiling would be awesome as people end up with different curtain heights. Don't forget to block the center of the window as many curtain rod holders have a center support. Also, when you get to really large window/door areas, adding blocking above the window at 1/3rds and 1/4ths can be helpful as sometimes you have multiple supports. I was in a 2-3 year old house the other day and the toilet paper roll holder was already off the wall. Thinking it was a quick fix, I went to grab a snap toggle to put it back up....but I was foiled as I didn't pay attention to it being an outside wall - concrete block behind it. One tapcon later, and the toilet roll holder was back up. And the pictures of the walls do help....especially when you are adding TV's on the wall and the homeowner has had the builder add extra wiring (speaker / cable ) in the wall. It's nice knowing where those wires ran up the wall to avoid them with the screw holes. Especially when they are between the drywall and the concrete block.
I guess it's best practices these days to use one of the new technologies that can see through walls for wires, pipes, gas lines to keep from rupturing them like that episode of Mr.Bean 😁👍
Awesome video guys love the blocking tips. As a homeowner who’s had several curtain rods pull out of the drywall, I wish all builders put in blocking where you need them.
The bit with the bit @11:10. I love that you kept that in there when you could of easily edited that out. It keeps it real and shows sometimes we forget things and a great way to deal with it... of course you will come back to fix it later, you're pros, wouldn't expect anything less. Love the videos! keep 'em coming
After remodeling, and living in 9 different houses ,you have to have a little MCGUYVER in your bag of tricks . Always have done the blocking when walls were open . Great tips 👍
As a former Interior Designer, you would not believe how many architects I needed to insist upon including this little technique in their drawings. Thank you for posting this video! This saves so much time and effort when it comes time to install all these finishing touches into a home; ultimately saving money over the long haul as one never needs to patch the drywall when the inevitable happens-something pulls away from the drywall.
To me… the most important blocking is up the wall above the shower curb to mount the shower door or glass. A full length 2x4 on it’s wide side, floor to ceiling. Also pieces of scrap OSB on any accent wall that will have picture frames or art.
@@StudPack Your doing a great service to us people never taught these tasks, it not that we couldn't learn it just no one took the time to share/pass their knowledge. THANK-YOU
Lol! We did this when we re sheetrocked our walls. I'm laughing because we also took photo's of the walls exposed before we put new sheetrock up and I thought it was going to be something you didn't mention. Sure enough right before the end of video you mentioned it! Lol! Good job guys! Blocking our walls have made everything better for us. Especially the towels rods ! Oh ,and it helped tremendously with our 85 inch tv. That suckered isn't going anywhere! Lol!
Same thought. We did the blocking but never thought of the story pole. However we DID use the tape measure, sharpie measurements and photo method. We had to install shower handrails 5 years after the reno. Piece of cake knowing the blocking was in place.
Great advice. Something I do in a bathroom remod is I add blocking all around the shower, tub, behind and if there is a wall near toilet in case someone needs a grab bar. In 1 job I added 5/8'' ply all around shower surround for grab bars that could be put anywhere the customer felt they needed. Ive seen so many times ppl use molly bolts and if someone slips and grabs the bar and it just rips a big hole in the wall. I like your forward thinking on the blocking around the windows. Very few new home builders and some remodelers even consider the type of window treatment might be used. Thanks for sharing.
nailing that block in at 8:20 is the best advice I learned here. I have struggled too many times doing it the wrong way, and things not aligning up. Nailing from the outside of the stud coming in is gonna make my next reno so much better, easier, stronger
Blocking... Making me even more happy i live in the UK with full brickwork walls. Love your vids and have given me many many tips on remodeling and laying tile, thank you
Yay, it is studpack day.....Merry Christmas and enjoy your family time. As a handyman I always appreciate when someone thinks far enough ahead to install blocking. There is not an anchor that works as good as blocking. Great video.
For most apllications you can't beat blocking for a clean looking install. Is a french cleat or other external mounting board attached to studs comparable to blocking?
Studpack Tuesday will be a good day!! You guys have safe flights to visit family & return home!! Merry Christmas to you & your family & a Happy New Year!! Keep up the good work!!
I love your practical and ever important videos! I paid a home builder to do exactly that (extra blocking in predetermined areas). Guess what, it did not go well. We had a tough time throughout the project. Never got done, among other things. I was pissed at each phase. I will do things MUCH differently next time.
Happy holidays guys, your channel is now my favorite between the talent on and off camera its a no brainer. I always learn something and also have a laugh. The comedic banter about the like button is my favorite part. From my family to yours have a fun safe holiday. Keep em comin gentlemen
When I helped my BIL with his addition we put blocking in the new master bath for grab bars in case they were ever needed. We then took pictures of the studs with blocking with a tape measure showing the heights. It is simple as looking up the pictures to figure out where the blocking is located.
I know not to look for a video on drywall repair, since you will never have to deal with a hollow wall anchor leaving a gaping hole in the wall! Great video as always. Blocking may not be exciting, but installing things into solid blocking is oh so nice!
I really appreciate that you tackle these topics that are very important but not terribly exciting, its these topics that no one talks much about therefore I know little about.
It was my job to do all the blocking in a 4 story 40 apartment seniors complex. I put it everywhere because there were many grab bars.....I went through quite a few lifts of plywood doing that. Later when we were doing the finishing we only had about 3 or 4 items where we missed the blocking....it's very satisfying when you feel that screw bite into some wood. I really enjoy the content you both put together, thanks for making it so entertaining.....Merry Christmas from Canada!
This is SO true! So much easier to put that blocking in than having to tear out a wall in a shower. We had to put in blocking for a grab bar for Mom in her shower and you guessed it...the entire shower had to be redone to accommodate the blocking to make those bars sturdy and safe to use. Would've saved one hell of a lot of time and money if the blocking had just been put in there to begin with!
And blocking for base molding too! Sure angling your nails into the drywall "should" be fine, but having the confidence in knowing the entire run is supported is so much better.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!. You guys are always full of great tips that come in handy. And don't forget to change those drywall nails for the shower valve (maybe 6" bolts? LOL :)
I just finished a rehab on a HUD house for my son and his wife. Put blocking in the kitchen. Just hung the over stove microwave last weekend. No issues finding something to secure it too. I really enjoy your videos. Merry Christmas to you both and your families.
Having lived in a couple houses that are over 80 years old, it sure would have been great to have that kind of blocking in those old walls. Figuring out how to use the studs to hold up the over-stove microwave in those houses was a pain both times. One of them has a plywood backer over the wall now, because that was the way it was going to happen without tearing out lath and plaster.
Just starting to build my last home for me & my wife. I am assuming the role of owner-contractor. After remodeling many homes and ALWAYS being frustrated by the lack of blocking, this is a great reminder for me to make notes to remember to use the scrap from framing to block everywhere. I like to get a new 3-ring notebook and put all the warranties, product documents and note in it for later reference. I create a section of notes for the kitchen, each bathroom and even the den and living room. I like to standardize bedrooms as much as possible so I don't have to create a different section for each. Blocking measurements are also included and much appreciated later when pictures are hung and accessories such as grab bars are installed. I like the idea of using plywood blocking with pocket screws and wonder if the same could be done with OSB as there is always a fair amount of scrap from it. I think I will get a few scraps and experiment! I look for new StudPack videos every week and always enjoy their content!
We I remodelled my parent's bathroom 20 years ago I mounted a sheet of 3/4 plywood, glued and screwed to the studs 2 feet above the floor around the entire perimeter. Filled in above and below with 1 by furring strips. When my parent's got older, I had them carefully stand in the tub and reach out to a grab bar I held on the wall. When the bar was in the exact position that was most comfortable for them, I just ran in the screws. Knowing that the grab bars can never be ripped from the walls gives me great peace of mind.
2x anything is more structurally sound than plywood, and plywood is far better than OSB (for blocking). If you’ve got the 2x scrap, use that first. Can always look for scrap from the lumber store too… the stores around me usually have less expensive scrap cut-offs. (Have also used 4”x3/4” oak pallet wood for blocking.)
On the high end builds we suggest the customer have 3/4" plywood put up EVERYWHERE in the bathroom before drywall. Allows for grab bars, towel racks, etc to be put anywhere regardless of the designer's choices.
I found your channel about a week ago. I just want to say that Paul is a natural host. Right up there with the best home improvement hosts. This is quality content!
I literally paused the video at 0:51 to go buy a hoodie. You guys are fantastic. I just started my own remodeling business February of this year (2021). You guys have given me even more tips and tricks than I already had. I really appreciate you guys. Happy Holidays and have a safe flight.
Happy Holidays TJ! 🎄Thanks for supporting the channel you’re gonna love it. We’re glad we can help and congrats on the remodeling biz. Here’s to a fruitful 2022 👊🏼
Great job fella’s! Journeyman Carpenter Here! I approve! Line Laser is my choice! Question, can you use Flat Stock Metal as backing on wood 2 X 4s or 2 X 6s etc. My Union always sends me to do all the Heavy Gauge Exterior work on these 5/6 Story Apt. Buildings! I wish I can record me showing everyone how I do it! Lol! Anyway, You guys are Great! Love your content fella’s! 👍
I think I'd hate having sheet metal "blocking" because then I'd have to use self drilling sheet metal screws to hang everything, and they tend to want to wander more than driving screws into wood.
metal Flat stock would have two issues: Cost since still price are nearly triple compared to 2019 prices, and you need to tap the holes for screws. Generally I use 2x4/6/8 for blocking and plywood. I installed full sheets of plywood on some walls.
Great ideas ... thanks guys! Makes me smile that this is a "father/son" deal ... do you have any idea how fortunate you guys are?? I love doing projects with/for my son ... lots of great times! But when you lose your dad like I have ... and have no one to ask my questions to ... or brain storm with ... it's surely tuff!! 😭😭 You guys are truly blessed!! Please don't ever take this "together time" for granted!
In Australia, we call them 'noggins' and they have been part of the building regulations since ... forever. Quick tip, don't feel you need to line them all up. You can offset one higher than the other and you don't need to skew nail - you just nail gun them in from the other side (it means you need to use a stud finder later tho).
12:30 Actually, it looks like that might be treated wood. So replacing the drywall screws with deck screws made for treated wood is best, otherwise those drywall screws will probably rust and be compromised many years down the road.
I'm an electrician, but like most guys that do anything related to construction, we do about everything from time to time. We don't do a lot of residential anymore, mostly industrial and commercial, but when we do, we throw in some blocking anytime we run a receptacle specifically for something that's going to be mounted on the wall. TVs are the most common, of course. I've used pieces of plywood to block huge sections, so there's no doubt they'll have something solid to mount to, no matter the design of the mount. I admit, I'm guilty of using drywall screws though.
Last house I remodeled I put 1/2” plywood behind the drywall. I did it not just for the blocking aspect but also to future proof against teenagers. I didn’t want to ever patch drywall holes.
just be sure you let plumbers and electricians know if you plan to do it. they need to set their rough in properly for a thicker wall finish. but yes, it also makes the walls a lot stronger in shear, and is required on some walls in high wind areas.
3:07 seems you exceeded 25% (40% non bearing wall?) of those studs you cut into for the circle shower / ear drop shower head support. My recommendation would be holdright ear drop bracket a common plumbers solution in the work van.truck
Recently installed new all-wood cabinets in the kitchen and it was jaw-dropping to see how many screws missed the studs when taking out the old cabinets. Two 2’x16’ sections of sheetrock were cut out and blocking was installed. The cabinets were installed with the all screws hitting wood and all screws positioned the same in all cabinets. Blocking is well worth it.
I love your guys video I was actually stumbling across UA-cam for something else and fell onto this. Recently had to renovate a wall in my trailer. I have a nail gun but it's very difficult to get into tight spots so I did the work with my impact driver. I have a pocket hole jig but doing frame work I don't need to be so precise. I had to install lots of blocking for the siding. I can definitely drive a screw at an angle but I prefer using a counter bore. I go in straight then go back in at a 45 ° creates a perfect hole every time
After seeing it, it's a no Brainer. This makes so much more sense to do during the remodeling of a bath or kitchen. Thanks guys, for your time and information you've shared with us hardheads.
One of the first questions I alway asked, window and door RO and heights, any thing that would need backing, hold down locations, shear wall locations and so forth. I was the layout guy most of my life.
for those questioning the strength of the pocket screws - once the sheetrock is on, the combination will be way stronger than needed for towel bars and TP holders. and if you're putting in grab bars for mobility assistance, you should have something more rigid than plywood supporting them.
Yes wood blocking is a must for many things, I have remodeled my restroom and best believe that I did the same. You don’t really need 2xs unless it’s for grab bars
I love the way you spent a bit extra to use the adjustable electrical boxes with the metal brackets instead of the el-cheapo plastic ones. Nicely done.
So glad the three older homes I have are all tongue and groove pine interior walls. Can't afford to build like that anymore but it's great in a hurricane zone for lateral load strength.
hey guys...as a professional homeowner, I am glad I found your channel. I borrowed your ideas for garage shelving using using threaded rod up through the ceiling, supported by joists. super secure and convenient. Have a Merry Christmas!
First of your videos I’ve watched, very engaging! We’re nearly done with our new house build. I went through the house and put blocking for the TP holder and for my TVs. Added some blocking in my workshop too! I totally missed adding blocking for the towel racks! Ugh! Anyway, thanks for the video!
Another pro tip to use is to let in a solid 2x4 instead of individual blocks. This serves a dual purpose as it not only provides a solid screw surface but it helps straighten out the studs and give you a flat wall.
did a remodel a while back, completely redid both bathrooms and thankfully I had the foresight to add blocking. Wish I would have done it in more places while I had the walls apart after seeing this.
Merry Christmas! This blocking info is probably the best info I've seen regarding pre-planning your location of cabinets, toilet paper, and now my most important item towel bar locations. For some reason my son's have pulled out my towel bars every other year since they could reach it. Blocking will definitely stop this problem. Great video!
This is not boring at all. I work in a really old school with some of the rooms that still have the lath and plaster walls. I'm sure you can imagine the struggle of trying to hang projectors and whiteboards on those kinds of walls when you don't have studs to work with. Merry Christmas to the whole Stud Pack family.
Big screen TV bracket mount blocking (I just did one a few days ago), ceiling fan blocking and garage stuff like GDO, hoist reinforcements (did that a few years ago for a mechanic friend) and heavy mirror (did that for a grandma and I'm guessing that mirror weighed 80 pounds). Last one I can think of is exterior door latch blocking. This works only if you are willing to be a bit unconventional because it means building up behind the door casing with a 2x6 having tight grain to make it much harder for an intruder to kick the door in. As I stand looking out the front door, this 2x6 adds to the thickness of the wall, becomes trim (so use a clean piece) which covers all but 1/4" of the edge of the casing. And I had to rabbit the edge just a little where the 2x6 meets the casing then sunk a couple 4" deck screws into the edge of that 2x6, near the deadbolt area to resist splitting should the intruder have a lot of kick strength. Merry Christmas!
This actually is a time saver in the long run, makes working on the home easier when you want to upgrade or redecorate. I will add this to our walls when we get to building. Happy New Year!
The first time I finished a basement, my studs weren't even, my screws were proud, couldn't find my framing behind the drywall. The next time, I marked everything on the drywall as I put it up. Thought I was so clever, but what a huge quality of life improvement it was! Thanks for the tips and have a Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Gang! We've been fulfilling orders ALL morning! Thank you guys for the incredible support. Only a few more hours until we're on a Jet for the Holidays!
Let us know where YOU like to put your blocking!
Merry Christmas, guys. And safe journey.
merry Christmas might have to get some blocking for Christmas
Happy holidays to you and your family. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and knowledge about construction.
I've used that hole saw / plywood combo to make blocking for a ceiling fan.
Maybe I should call it backing, because it was exposed?
(I spray painted black.)
I've come to similar conclusions with blocking. especially important in the shower walls for handy cap add ons. On my old house I've just gone ahead and opened up a lot of walls and added large sections of blocking. Makes some things work so much simpler.
How did you miss this one?? I always block everywhere in a house where a door knob can break a hole through the drywall. How many little round holes have you ever seen from door knobs? If you block them, all you get is a little dent in the drywall, no matter how hard they slammed the door open. Anyway, awesome video!!
Nice call! I have always wished people did that at the places I've lived.
And for flatscreen TV too.
Smart. 😁
I've been putting up blocking for doorknobs on rental property for decades when I'm called into fixing those damn holes. I only want to repair each door sheetrock once.
Excellent ! Thanks!!
It never occurred to me to intersperse 2 x 6 material alternating with the 2 x 4 material as blocking so that all blocking can be nailed through the framing members, Good idea and good music starting at 7;35. Safe travels.
My favorite part.
EXCELLENT Video. 2 years ago when I was having my retirement home built I offered this exact suggestion to my builder. He & I installed probably 45 blocking locations. Like you said; Kitchen, Bathrooms, closets, window treatments & Other locations for things like antique mirrors & wall clocks, plenty for hunt trophies/mounts, etc. More in the garage for fire extinguisher mounts, potential future shelving, etc. We even put some in closets for 'last resort' self defense pew-pew hardware storage. The kitchen & plumber crews loved the blocking as it saved them time & made their install far easier. We even put some blocking support behind electrical outlet boxes to give them support when pushing plugs in them. Finally, we put blocking in the walk thru shower for grab/hold bars for when we lose more of our youthfulness!! Great stuff !!!
Man I love to see a father and son jumping in on a business together, I don't imagine there's any better feeling that having success with your child. Keep on living the dream guys and thanks for the videos, I'm remodeling a mobile home for my family to move in and watch your vids anytime I'm not working. Gg guys.
Right before drywall I took over 350 pictures of my walls. I know where every stud is and where all the electrical and mechanical is and where I pulled cat5e for future use. 20 years later and I’m still referring to those pictures when I do projects.
I was only using a 3 Megapixel camera back then. With cameras today I would probably only need 50 pictures to get the detail required.
I have a 130 year old house that I've been remodelling for 20 years - both by myself and with hired contractors. I've taken thousands of pictures at every stage and those have been invaluable in later years - both to make improvements and to fix a few problems - without having to guess and rip everything apart.
Fail to plan? Plan to fail. Well done!
Did the same when my previous house was built. Photographed everything. I even used a picture of the footings and drains when I moved the drain because I wanted the bathroom in the basement in a different place. I wish I had the same in my current house. Everything here is a mystery.
Do have to add. Not sure if it’s true or not, but still funny 😄 nevertheless… Some dude claimed to put a “hide and seek champion” shirt on a fake skeleton in his garage before he sheet rocked it 🤣
Do a walk through video. Much easier to scroll through and find the shot you need.
Great to see that other builders are big on blocking. I've been doing it for at least a decade. Huge time saver!
Whenever I do a bath kitchen remodel I actually write locations of each block, sud in Sharpie. Then take a pix of each wall. As you mentioned, always know where it is later.
I made sure i had photos of all my open walls so later when /if i wanted to add built ins i could know what my options were.
In Sharpie ON the drywall after it's installed? I'm new to all of this...just curious 🤔
@@staycurious3954 write on face of studs with arrow to nearest wall.
As soon you can upload all pics to the cloud, you can do it daily, there are many apps for few bucks doing it.
Don't just take a photo. Stretch a large number tape measure across the front of the walls,, as you take photos. Measure from both sides of the wall. That way you always will know exactly where everything is.
100% agreed that blocking is a huge timesaver when it comes to various installations. Glad mention was made about documenting it. If no one knows where it is, or that it's even there, might as well not be.
Merry Christmas Stud Pack!
Maybe some might consider this subject boring, but I couldn't agree more with you in that: This is one of those unsung heroes of the remodel & construction world. One doesn't truly appreciate how much help well planned & securely installed blocking is - until you need it!
Having tough backing is invaluable!
Well done guys!!
Thank you guys so much for the tips and tricks for just about everything reno and also the comedy between father and son! That’s the best part of this channel. Have a wonderful Christmas and new year celebration and we’ll see you in the next one!
I wish blocking was done more often. So many times trying to find studs...very cool guys.
It's all about fast and cheap, so many new builds are piles of garbage plus inexpensive/less qualified labor.
I’ve done this for years. I see a lot of new construction, of late more 55+ communities where folks accidentally use their toilet paper holder as a grab bar. The pull out on the drywall is significant and the repair even more so. Construction companies rarely do blocking. It’s just got to hold until the warranty is expired. Usually find other things like towel racks but sometimes one side is sunk into a stud, it’s a crap shoot on the other side if it hits a stud or not. I use the pix method to locate blocking later. Thanks for emphasizing this Stud Pack!
Merry Christmas great content I’ve been a contractor for over 40 years my mentor taught me to always install blocking and it saved me a lot of time and money over the years
Blocking is key! Merry Christmas John🎄👊🏼
Have a safe flight and a great holiday
Its so nice to see a father and son working together and getting along so well y'all are amazing. You can really see how much y'all care about one another
Great tips! Quality work.
Other things I like to do to future proof are: Run both electric (240V) and gas (even if there's no nat. gas available) lines for Stove/Range, Water Heater, and Dryer. A neutral to all switch boxes since many high-tech switches require a neutral. Possibly, also, low volt lines for security, door, window, motion sensors, and speaker wire to all rooms for whole house audio. It's a lot easier and cheaper to do it when the walls are open.
neutral in switch boxes has been required by code for at least a full code cycle if not two or three.
@@kenbrown2808 Ah, thanks for the knowledge. I'm not an electrician so, wasn't aware of the latest code.
And please add outlets in the laundry room! We added a shelf (quartz) over the washer/dryer. That covers the only outlet in the laundry room (thanks to the builder). Now there is no where to plug in charging stations.
@@1packatak not providing an outlet for an iron in the laundry room is about as low-bid as it gets. but it shouldn't be a major project to install a GFCI receptacle directly above the receptacle for the washer. - or a double box if you need that much.
@@1packatak your current outlet can be easily moved up the wall
I'm the first non builder contracted person to work in many new homes and wish the builders would take some 1x6 boards and toss them up around their windows when doing the furring strips. These are block first floor so the 1x6 would match the furring strip thickness and tossing them in from window top to ceiling would be awesome as people end up with different curtain heights. Don't forget to block the center of the window as many curtain rod holders have a center support. Also, when you get to really large window/door areas, adding blocking above the window at 1/3rds and 1/4ths can be helpful as sometimes you have multiple supports.
I was in a 2-3 year old house the other day and the toilet paper roll holder was already off the wall. Thinking it was a quick fix, I went to grab a snap toggle to put it back up....but I was foiled as I didn't pay attention to it being an outside wall - concrete block behind it. One tapcon later, and the toilet roll holder was back up.
And the pictures of the walls do help....especially when you are adding TV's on the wall and the homeowner has had the builder add extra wiring (speaker / cable ) in the wall. It's nice knowing where those wires ran up the wall to avoid them with the screw holes. Especially when they are between the drywall and the concrete block.
I guess it's best practices these days to use one of the new technologies that can see through walls for wires, pipes, gas lines to keep from rupturing them like that episode of Mr.Bean 😁👍
Awesome video guys love the blocking tips. As a homeowner who’s had several curtain rods pull out of the drywall, I wish all builders put in blocking where you need them.
The bit with the bit @11:10. I love that you kept that in there when you could of easily edited that out. It keeps it real and shows sometimes we forget things and a great way to deal with it... of course you will come back to fix it later, you're pros, wouldn't expect anything less. Love the videos! keep 'em coming
I especially like the change of size for the blocking when installing side by side!
After remodeling, and living in 9 different houses ,you have to have a little MCGUYVER in your bag of tricks . Always have done the blocking when walls were open . Great tips 👍
As a former Interior Designer, you would not believe how many architects I needed to insist upon including this little technique in their drawings. Thank you for posting this video! This saves so much time and effort when it comes time to install all these finishing touches into a home; ultimately saving money over the long haul as one never needs to patch the drywall when the inevitable happens-something pulls away from the drywall.
To me… the most important blocking is up the wall above the shower curb to mount the shower door or glass. A full length 2x4 on it’s wide side, floor to ceiling. Also pieces of scrap OSB on any accent wall that will have picture frames or art.
This is GREAT place for blocking, one we didn’t mention. awesome Saul 👊🏼
I do a lot of blocking at 34" around the tub alcove/shower stall for safety grab bars. Us boomers are getting a bit shaky.
@@StudPack Your doing a great service to us people never taught these tasks, it not that we couldn't learn it just no one took the time to share/pass their knowledge. THANK-YOU
Lol! We did this when we re sheetrocked our walls. I'm laughing because we also took photo's of the walls exposed before we put new sheetrock up and I thought it was going to be something you didn't mention. Sure enough right before the end of video you mentioned it! Lol! Good job guys! Blocking our walls have made everything better for us. Especially the towels rods ! Oh ,and it helped tremendously with our 85 inch tv. That suckered isn't going anywhere! Lol!
Same thought. We did the blocking but never thought of the story pole. However we DID use the tape measure, sharpie measurements and photo method. We had to install shower handrails 5 years after the reno. Piece of cake knowing the blocking was in place.
Great to see things like this. Love when things are done smart and for end use, not just for keeping costs low. Great tips, thank you!!
Great advice. Something I do in a bathroom remod is I add blocking all around the shower, tub, behind and if there is a wall near toilet in case someone needs a grab bar. In 1 job I added 5/8'' ply all around shower surround for grab bars that could be put anywhere the customer felt they needed. Ive seen so many times ppl use molly bolts and if someone slips and grabs the bar and it just rips a big hole in the wall.
I like your forward thinking on the blocking around the windows. Very few new home builders and some remodelers even consider the type of window treatment might be used. Thanks for sharing.
Really enjoy the vids. you guys are entertaining and funny and it’s great to see passion and true craftsmanship. Thanks guys .. keep ‘em coming!
nailing that block in at 8:20 is the best advice I learned here. I have struggled too many times doing it the wrong way, and things not aligning up. Nailing from the outside of the stud coming in is gonna make my next reno so much better, easier, stronger
The plywood blocking is my favorite, sometimes you don’t know exactly where you need the backing, like a toilet paper holder.
It's awesome that you think about how people use space during renos. Often people are just trying to get to the next job. Kudos for caring!
I gutted my bathroom 6 years ago, I regret not doing more blocking! Great advice!
Blocking... Making me even more happy i live in the UK with full brickwork walls.
Love your vids and have given me many many tips on remodeling and laying tile, thank you
Yay, it is studpack day.....Merry Christmas and enjoy your family time. As a handyman I always appreciate when someone thinks far enough ahead to install blocking. There is not an anchor that works as good as blocking. Great video.
For most apllications you can't beat blocking for a clean looking install. Is a french cleat or other external mounting board attached to studs comparable to blocking?
Love watching father and son work happily together.
Studpack Tuesday will be a good day!! You guys have safe flights to visit family & return home!! Merry Christmas to you & your family & a Happy New Year!! Keep up the good work!!
Great video for new folks that don't understand that there is a lot of work that comes after the framing. Blocking and backing all around
I love your practical and ever important videos!
I paid a home builder to do exactly that (extra blocking in predetermined areas). Guess what, it did not go well. We had a tough time throughout the project. Never got done, among other things. I was pissed at each phase. I will do things MUCH differently next time.
I've blocked for curtains, LCD, bath cabinet, bath shelf, bath sink...totally agreed. Safe holidays...
Happy holidays guys, your channel is now my favorite between the talent on and off camera its a no brainer. I always learn something and also have a laugh. The comedic banter about the like button is my favorite part. From my family to yours have a fun safe holiday. Keep em comin gentlemen
When I helped my BIL with his addition we put blocking in the new master bath for grab bars in case they were ever needed. We then took pictures of the studs with blocking with a tape measure showing the heights. It is simple as looking up the pictures to figure out where the blocking is located.
I know not to look for a video on drywall repair, since you will never have to deal with a hollow wall anchor leaving a gaping hole in the wall! Great video as always. Blocking may not be exciting, but installing things into solid blocking is oh so nice!
I really appreciate that you tackle these topics that are very important but not terribly exciting, its these topics that no one talks much about therefore I know little about.
It was my job to do all the blocking in a 4 story 40 apartment seniors complex. I put it everywhere because there were many grab bars.....I went through quite a few lifts of plywood doing that. Later when we were doing the finishing we only had about 3 or 4 items where we missed the blocking....it's very satisfying when you feel that screw bite into some wood.
I really enjoy the content you both put together, thanks for making it so entertaining.....Merry Christmas from Canada!
And I bet those seniors loved the extra step!!
Can’t stress enough about blocking. A little bit of work to make life easier down the road for all the other trades. 👍🏻
This is SO true! So much easier to put that blocking in than having to tear out a wall in a shower. We had to put in blocking for a grab bar for Mom in her shower and you guessed it...the entire shower had to be redone to accommodate the blocking to make those bars sturdy and safe to use. Would've saved one hell of a lot of time and money if the blocking had just been put in there to begin with!
Why weren't they able to attach the grab bars to studs? Not in the correct locations?
And blocking for base molding too! Sure angling your nails into the drywall "should" be fine, but having the confidence in knowing the entire run is supported is so much better.
As somebody who just recently did baseboards for this entire house...this would have been amazing to have.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!. You guys are always full of great tips that come in handy. And don't forget to change those drywall nails for the shower valve (maybe 6" bolts? LOL :)
Merry Christmas Jeff!🎄we’ll consider it 😂
I just finished a rehab on a HUD house for my son and his wife. Put blocking in the kitchen. Just hung the over stove microwave last weekend. No issues finding something to secure it too. I really enjoy your videos. Merry Christmas to you both and your families.
Awesome Larry. Merry Christmas to you and yours🎄
Having lived in a couple houses that are over 80 years old, it sure would have been great to have that kind of blocking in those old walls. Figuring out how to use the studs to hold up the over-stove microwave in those houses was a pain both times. One of them has a plywood backer over the wall now, because that was the way it was going to happen without tearing out lath and plaster.
Just starting to build my last home for me & my wife. I am assuming the role of owner-contractor. After remodeling many homes and ALWAYS being frustrated by the lack of blocking, this is a great reminder for me to make notes to remember to use the scrap from framing to block everywhere.
I like to get a new 3-ring notebook and put all the warranties, product documents and note in it for later reference. I create a section of notes for the kitchen, each bathroom and even the den and living room. I like to standardize bedrooms as much as possible so I don't have to create a different section for each. Blocking measurements are also included and much appreciated later when pictures are hung and accessories such as grab bars are installed.
I like the idea of using plywood blocking with pocket screws and wonder if the same could be done with OSB as there is always a fair amount of scrap from it. I think I will get a few scraps and experiment!
I look for new StudPack videos every week and always enjoy their content!
We I remodelled my parent's bathroom 20 years ago I mounted a sheet of 3/4 plywood, glued and screwed to the studs 2 feet above the floor around the entire perimeter. Filled in above and below with 1 by furring strips. When my parent's got older, I had them carefully stand in the tub and reach out to a grab bar I held on the wall. When the bar was in the exact position that was most comfortable for them, I just ran in the screws.
Knowing that the grab bars can never be ripped from the walls gives me great peace of mind.
2x anything is more structurally sound than plywood, and plywood is far better than OSB (for blocking).
If you’ve got the 2x scrap, use that first. Can always look for scrap from the lumber store too… the stores around me usually have less expensive scrap cut-offs. (Have also used 4”x3/4” oak pallet wood for blocking.)
My man Jordan KILLING it on his editing. Definitely got this down to a science. Love it.
On the high end builds we suggest the customer have 3/4" plywood put up EVERYWHERE in the bathroom before drywall.
Allows for grab bars, towel racks, etc to be put anywhere regardless of the designer's choices.
Whoa, that'll cost a pretty penny these days... even scatter board is pricey ;~(
I found your channel about a week ago. I just want to say that Paul is a natural host. Right up there with the best home improvement hosts. This is quality content!
One question, does all the extra blocking increase the strength of the home when winds pick up like we had last week here in Colorado Springs?
Yes blocking will increase the strength.
I literally paused the video at 0:51 to go buy a hoodie. You guys are fantastic. I just started my own remodeling business February of this year (2021). You guys have given me even more tips and tricks than I already had. I really appreciate you guys. Happy Holidays and have a safe flight.
Happy Holidays TJ! 🎄Thanks for supporting the channel you’re gonna love it. We’re glad we can help and congrats on the remodeling biz. Here’s to a fruitful 2022 👊🏼
Great job fella’s! Journeyman Carpenter Here! I approve! Line Laser is my choice! Question, can you use Flat Stock Metal as backing on wood 2 X 4s or 2 X 6s etc. My Union always sends me to do all the Heavy Gauge Exterior work on these 5/6 Story Apt. Buildings! I wish I can record me showing everyone how I do it! Lol! Anyway, You guys are Great! Love your content fella’s! 👍
I think I'd hate having sheet metal "blocking" because then I'd have to use self drilling sheet metal screws to hang everything, and they tend to want to wander more than driving screws into wood.
@@kenbrown2808 thanks! Enjoy your Holiday’s! 👌👍
@@lennyadamowicz7642 and you.
metal Flat stock would have two issues: Cost since still price are nearly triple compared to 2019 prices, and you need to tap the holes for screws. Generally I use 2x4/6/8 for blocking and plywood. I installed full sheets of plywood on some walls.
Great ideas ... thanks guys!
Makes me smile that this is a "father/son" deal ... do you have any idea how fortunate you guys are??
I love doing projects with/for my son ... lots of great times!
But when you lose your dad like I have ... and have no one to ask my questions to ... or brain storm with ... it's surely tuff!! 😭😭
You guys are truly blessed!!
Please don't ever take this "together time" for granted!
In Australia, we call them 'noggins' and they have been part of the building regulations since ... forever.
Quick tip, don't feel you need to line them all up. You can offset one higher than the other and you don't need to skew nail - you just nail gun them in from the other side (it means you need to use a stud finder later tho).
Taking that extra time to solve future problems is KEY. Thanks for sharing!
12:30 Actually, it looks like that might be treated wood. So replacing the drywall screws with deck screws made for treated wood is best, otherwise those drywall screws will probably rust and be compromised many years down the road.
You can't use treated wood indoors. Against code.
I'm an electrician, but like most guys that do anything related to construction, we do about everything from time to time. We don't do a lot of residential anymore, mostly industrial and commercial, but when we do, we throw in some blocking anytime we run a receptacle specifically for something that's going to be mounted on the wall. TVs are the most common, of course. I've used pieces of plywood to block huge sections, so there's no doubt they'll have something solid to mount to, no matter the design of the mount. I admit, I'm guilty of using drywall screws though.
Last house I remodeled I put 1/2” plywood behind the drywall. I did it not just for the blocking aspect but also to future proof against teenagers. I didn’t want to ever patch drywall holes.
just be sure you let plumbers and electricians know if you plan to do it. they need to set their rough in properly for a thicker wall finish. but yes, it also makes the walls a lot stronger in shear, and is required on some walls in high wind areas.
Don't you risk broken knuckles 🤣
@@staycurious3954 not undeserved ones.
I have a couple of fake switch plates covering up teenager produced drywall holes!
I installed extra blocking for wall mount TV's, then took pics for later reference. Great channel!
3:07 seems you exceeded 25% (40% non bearing wall?) of those studs you cut into for the circle shower / ear drop shower head support. My recommendation would be holdright ear drop bracket a common plumbers solution in the work van.truck
I am currently doing some work in my kitchen, and now I am going to add extra blocking. I really appreciate the idea of blocking for the window rods.
I pant my story board Fluorescent Pink …….pencil marks show great and my helpers don’t cut my board
I agree. Small movements for huge result. Blocking is easy and solves alot of possible issues.
Recently installed new all-wood cabinets in the kitchen and it was jaw-dropping to see how many screws missed the studs when taking out the old cabinets. Two 2’x16’ sections of sheetrock were cut out and blocking was installed. The cabinets were installed with the all screws hitting wood and all screws positioned the same in all cabinets. Blocking is well worth it.
I love your guys video I was actually stumbling across UA-cam for something else and fell onto this. Recently had to renovate a wall in my trailer. I have a nail gun but it's very difficult to get into tight spots so I did the work with my impact driver.
I have a pocket hole jig but doing frame work I don't need to be so precise. I had to install lots of blocking for the siding. I can definitely drive a screw at an angle but I prefer using a counter bore. I go in straight then go back in at a 45 ° creates a perfect hole every time
After seeing it, it's a no Brainer. This makes so much more sense to do during the remodeling of a bath or kitchen. Thanks guys, for your time and information you've shared with us hardheads.
pictures before insulation and drywall is a must. find water lines, electrical runs and now blocking with ease
One of the first questions I alway asked, window and door RO and heights, any thing that would need backing, hold down locations, shear wall locations and so forth. I was the layout guy most of my life.
Great video. I like to bookmark videos like these to go back to when I'm doing a similar project later on, very useful.
Thanks for the tips. The pocket screws in the 3/4 in plywood is a great idea.
for those questioning the strength of the pocket screws - once the sheetrock is on, the combination will be way stronger than needed for towel bars and TP holders. and if you're putting in grab bars for mobility assistance, you should have something more rigid than plywood supporting them.
Yes wood blocking is a must for many things, I have remodeled my restroom and best believe that I did the same. You don’t really need 2xs unless it’s for grab bars
I love the way you spent a bit extra to use the adjustable electrical boxes with the metal brackets instead of the el-cheapo plastic ones. Nicely done.
Thanks, guys, I learned a lot as usual. Great ideas & techniques for blocking I never considered - Thanks!
This is the difference between a true carpenter and a hack in my opinion. This makes it so much nicer for future owners.
So glad the three older homes I have are all tongue and groove pine interior walls. Can't afford to build like that anymore but it's great in a hurricane zone for lateral load strength.
hey guys...as a professional homeowner, I am glad I found your channel. I borrowed your ideas for garage shelving using using threaded rod up through the ceiling, supported by joists. super secure and convenient. Have a Merry Christmas!
Best video I’ve watched all week. Glad I watched this before all my projects.
Heartwarming to see son and dad working together!
First of your videos I’ve watched, very engaging! We’re nearly done with our new house build. I went through the house and put blocking for the TP holder and for my TVs. Added some blocking in my workshop too! I totally missed adding blocking for the towel racks! Ugh! Anyway, thanks for the video!
The best part about these guys is they care about the homeowner and they care about their work!!!
Another pro tip to use is to let in a solid 2x4 instead of individual blocks. This serves a dual purpose as it not only provides a solid screw surface but it helps straighten out the studs and give you a flat wall.
did a remodel a while back, completely redid both bathrooms and thankfully I had the foresight to add blocking. Wish I would have done it in more places while I had the walls apart after seeing this.
I appreciate your taking the time to show & tell the benifit of blocking.
Great way to use up all the scraps.
Wish more people did this.
I do it for myself on my own remodels.
When I made my work shop, lots of blocking. Inside walls got 3/4" plywood on all of the, floor to ceiling. Super handy.
I’m the middle of building our first hand. Man! This is pure gold! I’m literally going to do each of these suggestion. Thank you so much!
Have a wondeful time with family this Christmas and all the best for 2022. Thanks for sharing in 2021.
Merry Christmas! This blocking info is probably the best info I've seen regarding pre-planning your location of cabinets, toilet paper, and now my most important item towel bar locations. For some reason my son's have pulled out my towel bars every other year since they could reach it. Blocking will definitely stop this problem. Great video!
This is not boring at all. I work in a really old school with some of the rooms that still have the lath and plaster walls. I'm sure you can imagine the struggle of trying to hang projectors and whiteboards on those kinds of walls when you don't have studs to work with. Merry Christmas to the whole Stud Pack family.
Big screen TV bracket mount blocking (I just did one a few days ago), ceiling fan blocking and garage stuff like GDO, hoist reinforcements (did that a few years ago for a mechanic friend) and heavy mirror (did that for a grandma and I'm guessing that mirror weighed 80 pounds).
Last one I can think of is exterior door latch blocking. This works only if you are willing to be a bit unconventional because it means building up behind the door casing with a 2x6 having tight grain to make it much harder for an intruder to kick the door in. As I stand looking out the front door, this 2x6 adds to the thickness of the wall, becomes trim (so use a clean piece) which covers all but 1/4" of the edge of the casing. And I had to rabbit the edge just a little where the 2x6 meets the casing then sunk a couple 4" deck screws into the edge of that 2x6, near the deadbolt area to resist splitting should the intruder have a lot of kick strength.
Merry Christmas!
This actually is a time saver in the long run, makes working on the home easier when you want to upgrade or redecorate. I will add this to our walls when we get to building. Happy New Year!
I have a hardware installation company and I dig backing. Can't have too much but my favorite thing is hitting the edge
Great advice... I did extra around shower curtain, sink and were common towel racks...
The first time I finished a basement, my studs weren't even, my screws were proud, couldn't find my framing behind the drywall. The next time, I marked everything on the drywall as I put it up. Thought I was so clever, but what a huge quality of life improvement it was!
Thanks for the tips and have a Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you and yours Nick!🎄Thanks for all your support
Merry Christmas Ya'll. Love the extra blocking. It doesn't take that much longer and and there is almost always scrap around.
Great point - blocking is the unsung hero of strong fixtures. Thanks
Love you guys have a merry Christmas 🎅 with your family, and we'll see you 2 next year.