Receiving Helpdesk

what does a jack stud do

by Marcel Marvin Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

What is a jack stud used for? A jack stud is a vertical structural element that sits below and supports a header to transfer 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.

A jack stud is a stud that has been cut down to be placed above and/or below an opening. The jack stud provides support to the lintel trimmer and sill trimmer.

Full Answer

What is a jack stud?

The derivation of the term “jack stud” and what it means in modern building construction In a deck of playing cards, the jack is less valuable than the king—but it still has its own important role to play. And so it is with wall studs.

What is the difference between Jack studs and cripple studs?

While a jack stud is used to support the weight of the header, a cripple stud is cut to add additional framing above the door or window opening, and below a window.

Do I need a jack stud with a joist hanger?

In some cases a joist hanger can transfer the header reaction to the king studs and there is no need for a jack stud. The primary role of the king stud is to resist the out of plane window loads generated by the door or window.

Do I need a jack stud next to a sill plate?

There is also one or more king studs adjacent to the jack studs that run from the top of the sill plate to to bottom of the top plates. In some cases a joist hanger can transfer the header reaction to the king studs and there is no need for a jack stud.

Do I need a jack stud?

Local building codes require two-or-more jack studs when building an opening larger than five-feet wide. The number of jack studs used in framing is always directly related to the width of the opening, which then correlates to the dimensions and weight of the header.

How do you use a jack stud?

1:4313:11How to Build Jack Studs, Liners, T's and Corners - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I've got two Jack studs cut here we've got to have 18 of them in our candy corn cabin. And we'reMoreSo I've got two Jack studs cut here we've got to have 18 of them in our candy corn cabin. And we're going to be taking the nail gun.

What is a jack stud and king stud?

It is the same length as the common studs in the wall and fastened in a similar manner. A jack stud is typically placed adjacent to the king stud toward the interior of the opening and the two are nailed together along the length of the two studs. The king stud also acts as the terminating point of the header.

Can I remove jack stud?

If the jack studs are cut down, they probably need to be cut more than 3/4 inch total to accomodate shims to square the door in the opening. If you take out only 1/2 inch on each side, you have reduced the jack stud by 33%. If this is done in place, you are also stressing the remaining structure of studs, header, etc.

Why is it called a jack stud?

The jack stud is sometimes called a trimmer stud. The term “jack” derives from mid–16th century England, where it referred to a lad, knave, or common man: Jack: (1) A man of the common people, a lad, fellow, chap, especially a low-bred or ill-mannered fellow, a knave.

Where does a jack stud go?

The jack studs are placed under the end of the header. There is also one or more king studs adjacent to the jack studs that run from the top of the sill plate to to bottom of the top plates. In some cases a joist hanger can transfer the header reaction to the king studs and there is no need for a jack stud.

Do jack studs support window sills?

Limit framing to a maximum of one pair of jack studs per window opening to support the header and window sill. Install additional jack studs only as needed for structural support and cripple studs only as needed to maintain on-center spacing of studs.

How many jack studs are needed?

How many jack studs for a 12 foot opening:– as per general rules and guidelines, for a 12 foot garage door or opening, generally you will need 2 jack studs (trimmer) and 3 king studs at both end.

What does a cripple stud do?

Cripple studs are non-structural but provide a nailing base for siding or interior wall coverings. Spaced 16 or 24 inches on center, they carry the regular wall stud layout across the framed opening. Both cripple studs and cripple rafters are made from the same stock as other studs and rafters—they're just cut shorter.

What is a jack stud in framing?

A jack stud is a stud that has been cut down to be placed above and/or below an opening. The jack stud provides support to the lintel trimmer and sill trimmer.

Can a header hanger replace a jack stud?

The advantage of header hangers comes in eliminating the jack stud altogether, thereby allowing better insulation properties, saving on lumber, and allowing slightly wider openings in tight framing situations.

What are jack studs supported by?

A saddle (also called a sill or rough sill) forms the bottom of a window rough and supports the weight of the window. It's a piece of 2x stock cut to fit between two jacks, laid flat, and nailed to the jacks. Cripple studs (cripples) are short studs sandwiched between the saddle and the bottom plate.

What is a jack stud used for?

A jack stud is a vertical structural element that sits below and supports a header to transfer 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.

Are jack studs necessary?

Jack studs are not necessary from a structural standpoint. However, you will want to install them for several other reasons. 1.) Door installation: They strengthen a door opening for an actual door installation.

How many jack studs are required?

Therefore use 4 jack studs on each side. Or your opening has 6 studs. Therefore use 2 jack studs on each side. How many jack studs do you need for an 8 foot opening?

How long is a jack stud?

82-1/2 inches also happens to be the standard “header height” for windows and doors. If you’re a novice framer then this is the height of the BOTTOM of the window and door headers. This is also the top of the jack studs. Which means the jack studs are 81 inches long (typically).

Why is it called a cripple stud?

Both cripple studs and cripple rafters are made from the same stock as other studs and rafters—they’re just cut shorter. Trivia: The term “ cripple ” probably originated from the Old English crypel, meaning a person disabled from lack of use of a limb.

What are horizontal studs called?

The horizontal beams between studs are called noggins. There are generally two between each pair of studs.

Are cripple studs load bearing?

Chandler – In my area a cripple is a short stud above a header. The same term is also used for the short studs below a window. They are permanent framing and are adequate for supporting a load bearing wall.

What does a king stud do?

A king stud is a specialized type of stud which is used in post and beam construction to support an opening such as a door or window. Many building codes specifically require the use of king studs to make openings sturdier, and to increase overall structural stability.

Can two windows share a king stud?

They certainly can. In fact, you can get them closer together still, if you like, by eliminating the king stud, using one or two trimmer studs (as desired for spacing), and running a continuous header. It only needs to be as tall as it would for individual headers.

Do I need a king stud?

A header needs a full or king wall stud on each side of the opening, extending from the bottom wall plate to the top wall plate. These can be regular studs or special studs added if the regular spacing doesn’t conform to the door opening.

Are cripple studs necessary?

Simple answer is no, you do not need cripples for an interior door in a non load bearing wall.

Why is it called a cripple stud?

Both cripple studs and cripple rafters are made from the same stock as other studs and rafters—they’re just cut shorter. Trivia: The term “ cripple ” probably originated from the Old English crypel, meaning a person disabled from lack of use of a limb.

How far apart are king studs?

Mark the king studs with the rough opening height — typically 82 inches, accounting for the 80-inch height of the door plus 2 inches, or another height according to the manufacturer.

What are horizontal studs called?

The horizontal beams between studs are called noggins. There are generally two between each pair of studs.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9