CSLB General Building (B)Framing and CarpentryEasy
A framing contractor is installing a new window rough opening. The window is 4 feet wide. To properly support the header and transfer the load to the foundation, which type of stud is installed directly beneath the ends of the header and rests on the rough sill?
- ATrimmer stud
- BJack stud
- CKing stud
- DCripple stud
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Jack stud
Jack studs, also known as trimmer studs, are cut to fit directly under the ends of the header and extend down to the sole plate (or rough sill if there are cripple studs below). They provide crucial support for the header, transferring its load down to the framing below.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Trimmer stud is another, interchangeable term for a jack stud, but 'Jack stud' is the more common term in the options provided.
- C. King studs run from the sole plate to the top plate, framing the side of the rough opening and supporting the jack studs.
- D. Cripple studs are shorter studs above a header or below a rough sill, filling gaps but not directly supporting the header.
Window Rough Opening Studs
Specific framing members used to create and support a window or door rough opening, ensuring proper load transfer and structural integrity.
- King studs frame the full height of the opening.
- Jack studs (trimmers) support the header.
- Cripple studs fill gaps above headers or below sills.
Memory trick: King for height, Jack for header, Cripple for fill.