Timber Stud Spacing in Australia: 450 vs 600 Centres Explained
A practical guide to timber stud spacing decisions, including take-off implications, lining coordination, and standards-aware planning notes.
This guide is written for Australian tradies and focuses on practical, metric-first workflows you can apply on site.
Metric units are used throughout with Australian standards context where applicable.
Use these calculators with this guide
Apply the steps from this article directly in the matching tools.
Why stud spacing decisions matter early
Stud spacing is one of the earliest framing decisions that can influence materials, lining performance, and labour flow. Teams often default to habit, but spacing should be tied to project documents and system requirements. If spacing is chosen too casually, the cost impact appears later through additional members, awkward lining joints, or unplanned rework.
Australian projects vary from straightforward new builds to tight renovation conditions where existing geometry can force compromises. A disciplined approach is to treat spacing as a planning decision with clear assumptions recorded at quote stage. That makes scope conversations easier and reduces misalignment between estimator and site crew.
450 vs 600 centres in practical terms
The 450 and 600 centres conversation is rarely about one being universally better. It is about what works for the building system, lining strategy, and structural intent. Closer centres can increase material count but may simplify some lining outcomes. Wider centres may reduce member count but can require different detailing and coordination.
The useful workflow is to model both options quickly in a stud count calculator and compare quantity impact against buildability. Having both scenarios documented helps project managers and clients understand why one option is selected over another.
- Run both spacing options before final ordering.
- Check framing assumptions against planned sheeting layout.
- Document selected spacing basis in quote and job records.
Openings and corners are where quantity errors happen
Most stud quantity shortfalls happen at openings, corners, and junctions, not in straight wall runs. Estimators who only apply a simple spacing formula can undercount quickly when windows, doors, and bracing details are involved. This leads to costly top-up orders and schedule interruptions.
Break the estimate into base spacing quantity plus detail additions. Keep each assumption visible: opening strategy, corner treatment, and junction allowances. This creates a transparent estimate that can be updated quickly if drawings change.
Tie stud spacing to linings and labour planning
Stud spacing should never be isolated from lining and labour planning. If framing and sheeting assumptions drift apart, the project pays twice: once in materials and again in labour inefficiency. A joined workflow across stud count, plasterboard, and costing gives much cleaner forecasting.
When teams store these calculations together, handovers become easier and variation decisions are faster. Instead of debating which spreadsheet is current, everyone works from one baseline and updates from the same source.
Australian standards context and limits of calculators
Stud spacing calculators provide general guidance and speed, but they do not replace structural design requirements, approved plans, or project-specific compliance pathways. NCC and relevant standards context should be used as part of your verification process where applicable.
Professional responsibility remains with the builder and design team. Keep the language clear with clients: calculator outputs support planning; final framing decisions are confirmed through project documentation and required approvals.
How TradeSet helps with framing take-offs
TradeSet helps crews run stud spacing scenarios quickly in metric units and keep those results linked to the job file. This is valuable when design changes happen and revised quantities are needed immediately for ordering or re-pricing.
Use the Timber Stud Count Calculator with Plasterboard and Job Cost calculators to build a connected workflow from framing quantities to quote control. It improves speed while keeping your assumptions visible and auditable.