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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.
What is a jack stud used for?
Timber wall 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.
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: In some uses, “jack” has a diminutive force or meaning, denoting things that are smaller or slighter than the normal ones: “jack rafter,” “jack stud.”Oct 22, 2020.
What does a jack stud hold up?
So, to answer your question: the maximum load for your 2×6 jack stud (I call them trimmers) is: 1320 x 1.5” x 5.5” = 10,890 lbs. However, it sits on a plate and the header sits on it in perpendicular compression, so the maximum load it can support without crushing the plate is: 425 x 1.5” x 5.5” = 3,506 lbs.
Where does a jack stud go?
Jack (or Trimmer) Stud: The jack or trimmer stud begins at the bottom/sole plate and runs vertically upward until it reaches the bottom of the window header. It rests against the king stud, on the inside.
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 do you need for a beam?
Every beam I’ve ever framed has required 3″ minimum bearing on each side, so two studs is plenty. But check with your inspector if you’re unsure, things might be different there.
Can a jack stud be two pieces?
On smaller openings, a single king stud and continuous jack stud are usually OK, but for larger openings, more than one king stud may be required. If the opening is 5 feet wide and you’ve taken out four studs, add two studs to the assembly on each side.
What is the bottom 2×4 of a wall called?
A horizontal piece at the bottom of the wall is called the bottom plate. The studs are nailed to this plate, which is nailed to the floor. At the top of the wall is the top plate. Often a doubled 2×4, it anchors the top ends of the studs as well as ties the wall into the ceiling.
What is a jack in construction?
A jack is a mechanical lifting device used to apply great forces or lift heavy loads. A mechanical jack employs a screw thread for lifting heavy equipment.
How much weight can a king stud hold?
Increasing the Weight, a Stud Can Hold A screw in a stud can usually hold 80-100 lbs, but there are tricks to increase the amount of weight it can hold.
Are king studs load bearing?
To be the king stud, it must travel from plate to plate and be immediately next to the end of the header. Some walls support things above, and some don’t. Walls that support loads are called load-bearing or bearing walls. Walls that don’t carry a load are termed nonbearing.
How many jack studs do you need for a 10 foot opening?
R603. 7 Jack and King Studs SIZE OF OPENING (feet-inches) 24-INCH O.C. STUD SPACING 16-INCH O.C. STUD SPACING > 5′-0″ to 5′-6″ 1 2 > 5′-6″ to 8′-0″ 1 2 > 8′-0″ to 10′-6″ 2 3 > 10′-6″ to 12′-0″ 2 3.
How do you put a header on jack studs?
Make a header by fitting two 2 x 8s around a 1/2-inch piece of plywood. Cut the header to fit between the king studs. Install a cripple stud between the header and the top plate, halfway between the king studs. Toenail the cripple stud to the top plate and the side of the header.
Which stud holds up the header for a door or window?
A header is a piece of framing installed horizontally directly above the door or window opening and extending to the king stud on each side of the opening. The header rests on jack studs that are nailed in place next to the king stud on each side of the opening; jack studs extend to the bottom plate of the wall.
Can you remove a jack stud?
The only way to trim it (which you shouldn’t do) would be to rip it out, remove all the nails, and cut it in half. The second you rip it out is when that header drops and you need more than a new front door.
Why do walls have a double top plate?
Bearing walls use the double top plates to transfer loads from joists above through the wall studs, through the sole plates, through the floor system to the beams, columns, foundations and footings. Joints in top plates have to be located over the studs. Joints in the top plates should be offset by at least one stud.
What are horizontal studs called?
The horizontal beams between studs are called noggins. There are generally two between each pair of studs.
How many jack studs do you need for a 6 opening?
We use two jack studs for anything 6′ or more unless specified different. I’ve never used more than two. Sometimes Ive used one jack stud. It all depends on what you’re carrying above.
How far apart should floor jacks be?
Look for the 1-inch gap between the floor and baseboard. It’s not there any more.
What size header do I need for a 6 foot span?
Since the architects and engineers who designed the houses had calculated that 2×12 headers were deep enough and sturdy enough to span the longest (6-ft.).
What is a king and jack stud?
Jack studs and king studs Jacks, sometimes called trimmers, fit under each end of a header, and they transfer the load that the header carries down to the bottom plate and the framing beneath. Nailed to the jacks are full-height studs called king studs; they support the assembly between the plates.
What is a cripple stud in framing?
Cripples are vertical framing members that support a sill or saddle. They are installed at points where a common stud would have stood if not for the window opening. Cripples provide support for the window and the sill it rests on.
