I'm new to this software.
I'm trying to understand wall thickness. My exterior walls are typically 1/2" sheetrock, 5 1/2" studs, 7/16" subsiding + whatever exterior siding will be applied. Interior walls will be 1/2" sheetrock, 3 1/2" studs and 1/2" sheetrock (opposite side).
I want my floor plan dimensions to be to framing (face of studs), as the framers are the ones laying out the walls. should I just make my exterior walls 5 1/2" thick and interior walls 3 1/2" thick to get my dimensions right?
Thanks for any help.
Hi there,
It depends of your necessities, drawings, presentations, etc.
If you need to create a floor plan considering just the 5 1/2" and 3 1/2" studs (for example), and you wish to calculate the dimensions surface to surface, then yes, create walls with thickness= 5 1/2" and 3 1/2" . However, notice that in 3D Shaded mode, the walls will appear as solid. In 3D Framing mode you will see the framing elements.
Another option: consider the full thickness of the walls and consider the dimension to the center of the walls.
Notice that the exterior dimensions of the walls in the perimeter are always surface to surface.
FP, as any program, has a learning curve. The best way to learn the program, IMO, is practice + practice + practice => Read and follow the manual (this is important), see the videos => try to create elements not related with your project, so you will become familiar with the commands and how to develop the different components.
If you are interested, I have different training eBooks for FP Users (https://www.punchhelpers.com/turbofloorplan.html)
Hope this helps,
Thanks Patricia, this is very helpful.
I am going through the videos, manual and tutorials and they are helpful. I've been using DesignCad since the late 80's and this is substantially different, but I'm getting there. I'm sure I'll be back with additional questions.
As a side note and as a former carpenter and general contractor, over the years I've found that centerline dimensions for interior walls actually increase framing errors (depending on the framers doing the layout). I believe this is because it adds an additional (yet simple) adjustment during layout.
I really like the potential presentation capabilities of FP, but the final construction drawings are best when they are aimed at the people doing the actual layout and construction work.
Thanks so much for your help!
You're welcome! 8)
The CAD programs are just drawing programs. FB is a home design program. For this reason, the settings, resources and capabilities are different.