Howe Lumber Company
555 Main Street
East Brookfield, MA 01515
(508)885-5396
(508)867-3232
Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday 7:30am - 5:00pm
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On Center

On center refers to the spacing of timbers and structural members. It quite literally refers to a measurement from the center of one timber to the center of another. In the case of walls, 16" on center is the most common measurement, and is generally what is required by building codes. What this measurement does is disallow any inconsistencies in the thicknesses of timber, and so insuring that the spacing is somewhat consistent.

For example, walls are usually framed to 16" on center. Truss systems are usually spaced at 24" on center, since they are designed to be stronger than a simple stick built roof. Balusters in a deck railing also have spacing guidelines, often around 5" on center, so as to minimize the risk of a child or pet getting caught between spindles.

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Howe Lumber Company
555 Main Street
East Brookfield MA 01515 
(508)885-5396  (508)867-3232
Monday - Friday 7:00am-5:00pm
Saturday 7:30am - 3:00pm