What Is King Stud And Jack Stud?
What Is King Stud And Jack Stud?
A jack stud and a king stud are both important structural elements that are used in post and beam construction to support an opening such as a door or window.
The jack stud is a vertical structural element that sits below and supports a header, transferring its loads downward to the bottom plate and ultimately to the structure’s foundation.
Its length determines the header height and is critical for rough openings of windows and doors. The king stud, on the other hand, is a specialized type of stud that is located just outside the framing of the door or window on both sides to hold the headers, the horizontal pieces of wood which frame the opening.
Typically, a king stud is placed adjacent to a jack stud and the two are nailed together to ensure both stay in place. Additionally, the jack stud is typically nailed from below, through the bottom plate, and will be toe-nailed into the header above.
Occasionally in window framing the jack stud will be cut into two pieces to allow the window sill plate to run through the jack stud and terminate on each side at the king studs. It is thought that this adds stability to the window frame while minimizing the need for additional support for the ends of the window sill plate.
The width of the jack stud will match the size of the adjacent studs used for that particular wall and will normally be a stress-rated dimensional lumber. Jack studs, like many framing members, are known by a variety of names on a regional basis including “shoulder studs” or “trimmers.”
Many building codes specifically require the use of king studs to make openings sturdier, and to increase overall structural stability. Even in regions where the use of king studs is not required, many contractors like to use them anyway, to improve the quality and durability of their projects.
In post and beam construction, a structure is framed with a series of studs spaced at identical intervals. The studs run from the floor to the ceiling, distributing the weight of the building and supporting it as evenly as possible. The beams of the roof and flooring are similarly spaced for optimum weight distribution.
The obvious drawback of post and beam construction is that the spacing of the studs usually does not leave enough room for door and window openings. While one could simply omit studs for a door or window, this could create a weak point in the structure, which is not desirable.
This is where the king stud comes in. Window and door openings are heavily supported with a king stud, header, and jack stud system, ensuring that they will withstand heavy use.
When a new home is built, king studs are usually required around doors and windows. When adding doors and windows to existing structures, contractors usually try to work within the framework of existing studs so that they do not have to rip out and replace a chunk of the wall.
This must be done carefully, to ensure that the structure is not compromised. When drawing up plans for a new structure, the architect must think about the limitations posed by the king stud requirement, while also considering issues like necessary space for plumbing and electricity.
Doors and windows tend to be expensive to build and install because of the additional labor and lumber required, and architects want to place these features in the best spots possible, to make the most of the extra cost.
King studs must also be considered in a remodel, especially if a door or window is going to be moved as part of the remodeling plan.
