Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Chapter 11 Wall and Ceiling Framing 245
Trimmer studs, or jack studs, are shortened studs
that stiffen the sides of rough openings. They bear the
direct weight of a header. Normally, carpenters in-
stall doors and windows so the tops are at the same
height. This practice not only improves appearance,
but also allows all trimmers to be cut the same length.
All of the trimmers can be cut at one time, speeding
up production.
Studs and plates are made from 2×4 or 2×6 lumber.
Headers usually require heavier material.
It is common practice to sheath the exterior walls
with structural OSB or plywood. These panels provide
rigidity to the wall frame to keep it from racking (shift-
ing out of square). If the wall is not sheathed with ap-
proved panels, bracing made of 1×4 stock or steel strips
must be let into the wall frame at corners. An alterna-
tive method of bracing uses structural panels at the cor-
ners and covers the rest of the wall with nonstructural
material, Figure 11‑3.
In one-story structures, studs are sometimes placed
24″ OC (on center). However, 16″ OC spacing is more
common. This spacing has evolved from years of estab-
lished practice. It is based more on accommodating the
wall-covering materials than on the actual calculation
of imposed loads.
The stud spacing remains consistent, regardless of in-
terruptions by openings or intersecting walls. This is
done so that 4′ × 8′ panels can be installed with mini-
mum cutting or waste.
6uni2032-6uni2033 7uni2032-0uni2033
19uni2032-8uni2033
6uni2032-2uni2033 Partition
centerline
Sole plate
Trimmers or
jack studs
Rough
sill
Header
(lintel)
Corner
post
Top
plate
Cripple
studs
Rough opening
(RO) window
Rough
opening door
Stud Framing for
intersecting partition
2×4 blocking
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑1. This is a drawing of a typical wall frame section with its members named. An extra stud and 2×4 blocking at an
intersecting partition provide a nailing surface for an inside corner.
Trimmer or
jack stud
Cripple
studs
Double
top plate
Header
Normal
studs
Sole plate
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑2. This typical framing shows a rough opening for
a window. Cripple studs and trimmers are in place.
6uni2032
uni2033 8uni2032uni2033
Chapter 11 Wall and Ceiling Framing 245
Trimmer studs, or jack studs, are shortened studs
that stiffen the sides of rough openings. They bear the
direct weight of a header. Normally, carpenters in-
stall doors and windows so the tops are at the same
height. This practice not only improves appearance,
but also allows all trimmers to be cut the same length.
All of the trimmers can be cut at one time, speeding
up production.
Studs and plates are made from 2×4 or 2×6 lumber.
Headers usually require heavier material.
It is common practice to sheath the exterior walls
with structural OSB or plywood. These panels provide
rigidity to the wall frame to keep it from racking (shift-
ing out of square). If the wall is not sheathed with ap-
proved panels, bracing made of 1×4 stock or steel strips
must be let into the wall frame at corners. An alterna-
tive method of bracing uses structural panels at the cor-
ners and covers the rest of the wall with nonstructural
material, Figure 11‑3.
In one-story structures, studs are sometimes placed
24″ OC (on center). However, 16″ OC spacing is more
common. This spacing has evolved from years of estab-
lished practice. It is based more on accommodating the
wall-covering materials than on the actual calculation
of imposed loads.
The stud spacing remains consistent, regardless of in-
terruptions by openings or intersecting walls. This is
done so that 4′ × 8′ panels can be installed with mini-
mum cutting or waste.
6uni2032-6uni2033 7uni2032-0uni2033
19uni2032-8uni2033
6uni2032-2uni2033 Partition
centerline
Sole plate
Trimmers or
jack studs
Rough
sill
Header
(lintel)
Corner
post
Top
plate
Cripple
studs
Rough opening
(RO) window
Rough
opening door
Stud Framing for
intersecting partition
2×4 blocking
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑1. This is a drawing of a typical wall frame section with its members named. An extra stud and 2×4 blocking at an
intersecting partition provide a nailing surface for an inside corner.
Trimmer or
jack stud
Cripple
studs
Double
top plate
Header
Normal
studs
Sole plate
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11‑2. This typical framing shows a rough opening for
a window. Cripple studs and trimmers are in place.
6uni2032
uni2033 8uni2032uni2033