Blocking in walls of johns plans?

[beckhamk]

Hi guys, 

I was watching tv the other day and saw a remodling show and they had taken the walls down to the studs.  Then i noticed that ever since stud had blocking between the studs. This reminded me of my house that was built five years ago having the same thing done.  My question is this blocking between the studs something we should be doing in our walls for any of johns plans?   I would also assume this is to keep the 2x studs from twisting?

thanks,
Kyle

[JRR]

I think the blocking is for fire control.  I also believe walls under some height (12' ??), do not require blocking by code.

[Don_P]

For fire 10'. For diaphragm across every exposed panel edge.

For enhancing the strength of a wall, at midheight or more often to shorten the length of the unsupported column about the weak axis. Properly attached sheathing usually takes care of this.

Then go thru and block for grab bars, towel racks, TP rolls, cabinets, stair skirts, shelving, curtain rods, etc.