Skip to main content
Stesso

Identify Supporting Elements: Jack and King Studs

0:09
2:00
936.9K views

At 0:09 in

Learn about headers and framing 👍 full video! #framing #headers #learn #carpentry

Watch on YouTube

What happens here

This step focuses on the studs that provide direct support to the header. Jack studs, also known as trimmer studs, are shorter vertical pieces of lumber placed directly beneath the ends of the header, extending down to the bottom plate. Their primary role is to provide vertical support for the header. Adjacent to the jack studs are king studs, which are full-height studs running from the bottom plate all the way up to the double top plate, providing lateral stability and a nailing surface for sheathing. The number of jack studs required can vary depending on the span and the weight the header needs to support, but at least one jack stud is always necessary for any opening.

Goal: Learn the roles of jack studs and king studs in supporting a header and the wall structure.

Tools and materials

  • Framing Demonstration Model Custom-made — To visualize stud placement and their relationship to the header
  • Pointer Tool — To indicate specific studs on the model

What they say

Hide

whether it's a door, a window, or an opening between rooms. What holds your header up is your jack studs. Depending on your span and how much weight your header's holding, determines if you need more or less jack studs. You will always have at least one jack stud for any opening. A king stud goes fully from the bottom plate all the way up to your double top plate. Up here is your studs. These help transfer weight from your double top plate down into your header.

Auto-generated from the video audio.