How Thick are Your Exterior Walls?

The Smart Choice: Why 2x4 Exterior Walls in Manufactured Homes Outshine 2x6 in Site-Built ConstructionIn today’s housing market, the debate between 2x4 and 2x6 exterior wall framing continues to rage. Site-built home builders often market thicker 2x6 walls as a premium upgrade for better insulation and strength. However, manufactured homes using efficient 2x4 construction frequently deliver superior overall value, affordability, faster completion times, and consistent quality. Here’s why choosing a manufactured home with 2x4 walls is often the smarter, more practical decision.Structural Integrity Without ExcessManufactured homes are engineered in controlled factory environments to meet strict federal HUD codes. These standards ensure the homes can withstand the stresses of transportation and deliver decades of reliable performance. 2x4 exterior walls — typically spaced 16 or 24 inches on center and supported by robust floor systems and a steel chassis — provide more than enough structural strength for single- and multi-section manufactured homes. These homes are literally built to travel down highways, something site-built homes never endure.Most site-built homes actually default to 2x4 framing for standard single-story construction. 2x6 walls are usually reserved for taller structures, high-wind zones, or as optional upgrades. The added thickness increases material and labor costs with limited additional benefit in typical residential applications. Factory-built 2x4 walls benefit from precision jigs, climate-controlled assembly lines, and experienced specialized crews. The result is straighter, tighter, and more uniform framing compared to on-site construction, which is often affected by weather, variable labor, and inconsistent supervision.Energy Efficiency Done RightIt’s true that 2x6 walls offer roughly 57% more cavity space for insulation (5.5 inches vs. 3.5 inches), allowing higher nominal R-values. Yet manufactured homes often achieve better real-world energy performance through superior factory methods:Advanced sealing techniques that dramatically reduce air infiltration High-density insulation that completely fills wall cavities Integrated whole-house strategies including superior roof and floor insulation ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and optional rigid foam sheathing