What do exterior stud walls primarily consist of?

Exterior stud walls primarily consist of vertical framing members that form the skeletal structure of a building's exterior. These vertical studs are typically spaced evenly apart to provide both structural support and a framework for attaching sheathing, insulation, and exterior finishes such as siding or brick. This vertical arrangement is crucial because it allows the wall to distribute loads effectively and provides a means for anchoring other building components.

While horizontal framing members are important for various detailing aspects, they are not the primary component of stud walls. Insulation materials are indeed essential for thermal resistance but are generally added after the vertical studs are in place, serving to fill the spaces between them rather than being part of the stud framing itself. A combination of wood and aluminum materials may be utilized in construction, but traditional stud walls typically rely on wood or metal studs, making this choice less representative of their primary construction method.