stud lengths?

[ITE]

I have heard where a builder will cut all of the studs to 7'7" long to aquire an 8' wall height with the two top plates and sole plate. Is this widely used or do most builders use 8' studs and finish with 8' 4 1/2" high walls with the two top plates and sole plate? Also, if a builder does use the 8' long studs what do they do to accomodate for the 4 1/2" that is left at the bottom of the wall when placing drywall on the wall when using 4x8 sheets? I would think that some of this is covered up with the base board and carpet and pad would take up some space as well?

[Rich]

Most often I will buy stud length - i.e. 92-5/8" long studs for a total length of just over 8' with 4 1/2" of plates. Doing the math it works out to 8' 1-1/8" - why that you might ask. When you put 5/8" rock on the ceiling you end up with 1/2" gap at the bottom.. the gap at the bottom is essentially for installation more than anything.

[ITE]

thanks for the reply Rich. Here is another question, typically If you order a 2x4 by a different length than 8' is there a considerable cost difference? and typically can you order them in any length? I would think that lumber yards only carry certain sizes, but generally speaking is this natural practice?

[Rich]

Not very natural - they'll typically carry 8'-24' in 2' increments, 8' studs, and 10' studs. But to purchase something other than 8' such as 8' stud length it will not be a considerable cost difference. If you're going to ask for 50 2x4's at 3'5-1/2" - it's probably going to cost a fortune :)