When determining wall thickness, which elements must be added together?

When determining wall thickness, it is essential to consider both the framing and the finishes. The framing constitutes the structural support of the wall, such as studs and sheathing, while the finishes refer to the interior and exterior layers that are applied over the framing, including drywall, siding, and any additional surface treatments. To accurately calculate the total wall thickness, the dimensions of both these components must be combined, as they directly affect the overall profile of the wall.

Finishes can vary in thickness depending on the materials used—such as the type of drywall or cladding—and knowing their thickness, in addition to the structural framing, gives a complete view of how thick the wall will be once constructed. This understanding is crucial in construction planning, as it affects everything from insulation placement to the installation of windows and doors.

Other combinations, such as framing with windows or doors, do not provide a complete picture of wall thickness, since windows and doors are actually openings within the wall that do not add to the wall's thickness the same way the framing and finishes do. Therefore, the proper addition of framing and finishes is key to accurately determining the total wall thickness in a building project.