Do I need stringers? Rigidity is bad?

We are constructing walls 9' L x 8' H. The studs are staggered every 12" on 2x6s. Do we need to add stringers if it's not required by code? Doesn't the drywall hold everything together? Nightfly said in one post that flex is better than rigidity in the walls. Can someone explain the physics behind this and why it is preferred?

Well, to clarify, a stringer is a framing member for the construction of a staircase or a simple set of stairs. So no you do not need this. What you are wanting to discuss is blocking, the Aussies call it noggins. An 8 feet high wall does not need horizontal blocking as it stands in the US of A and that depends on where you live because it is a faction of the Government...and the infiltration is among us.

Thanks for clarifying. In Israel, we still call them stringers... sorry. Nightfly said in one post that flex is better than rigidity in the walls. Can someone explain the physics behind this and why it is preferred?

"Thanks for clarifying. In Israel, we still call them stringers... sorry." You should update your profile. Everyone try's to keep up with the Countries that people live in and to what they refer when they are referring to whatever it is that they are talking about. IT MATTERS. Rigidity is good if it is a massive boundary, like a heavy wall. But a rigid wall that is of little mass will basically become a drum head, it will vibrate because it has no other option. That is when you have to do the math on when it will vibrate so you can record it and tell your friends, "hey that's my floor singing!"

My profile is updated - I live in Brooklyn. In Israel we call them stringers. thanks for answering the rigidity question.

speedo wrote:

My profile is updated - I live in Brooklyn. In Israel we call them stringers. thanks for answering the rigidity question.

Fine - but now that you're in the US - you should refer to them as we know them here - hence "horizontal blocking" or even just plain "Blocking". Rod

A construction handbook with International terminology...is it worth the effort Rod? :)