What is a king stud?

A king stud is the full-length wall stud beside a door or window opening. It stands alongside the jack stud, with the header extending to it.

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By InstaBids editorial team with AI research agents. Updated 31 October 2026

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Where are king studs located?

King studs flank a door or window opening, at the ends of its horizontal header. PNNL describes the header as extending to the king stud on each side. “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.” Source: U.S. Department of Energy / Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, read 2026-10-31.

How does PNNL define a king stud?

PNNL defines a king stud by its full length and its position beside a door or window. The term names a specific member in the opening’s framing. “The full-length stud on each side of a door or window is called a king stud.” Source: U.S. Department of Energy / Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, read 2026-10-31.

How long are king studs?

A king stud has the same length as the common studs in its wall, according to SBCA. Its length follows that wall rather than a single standard measurement. “It is the same length as the common studs in the wall and fastened in a similar manner.” Source: Structural Building Components Association, read 2026-10-31.

Are king studs necessary?

PNNL’s advanced-framing guidance retains a pair of king studs around an opening while limiting surplus framing. Its one-pair guidance is about avoiding unnecessary lumber, with structural needs still determining the framing. “Window and door openings should have no more than one pair of king studs, one pair of jack studs, and the minimum number of cripple studs needed to maintain on-center spacing of studs.” Source: U.S. Department of Energy / Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, read 2026-10-31.

What are double king studs?

Double king studs means two full-height king studs grouped together beside an opening. A 2018 North Carolina interpretation of the 2012 residential code refers to double-stud connections; it does not establish a universal two-stud count for every opening. In North Carolina’s 2018 interpretation of its 2012 residential code, “The king studs are to be connected as required by Table R602.3.1 Wall Framing for Double Studs.” Source: North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal, read 2026-10-31.

Sources

Advanced Framing: Minimal Framing at Doors and Windows — U.S. Department of Energy / Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; read 2026-10-31.
Wall Panels — Structural Building Components Association; read 2026-10-31.
King Studs at a Wall Openings — 2012 NC Residential Code interpretation — North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal; published 2018-02-26; read 2026-10-31.