Stud
A stud is a vertical framing member which forms part of a wall or partition. Also known as wall studs, they are a fundamental component of frame construction and are typically made of timber. However, steel studs are increasingly popular, particularly for non load-bearing walls and firewalls.
Studs may carry vertical structural loads, or as part of a partition wall, may be non load-bearing. They are typically sandwiched between top and bottom plates and equally spaced. The spacings will be governed by the size and spanning ability of the facing or cladding material.
Load-bearing walls typically use a double top plate. A single top plate may sometimes be used if the rafters, trusses or joists bearing down on it are directly over the studs.
Traditionally, studs were fastened to the plates by hammer and nail, and then by nail gun. Modern techniques such as screw fasteners, clips and ties can be used to enhance resistance to wind and seismic activity.
Timber studs are easy to use, lightweight, adaptable, and can be clad and infilled with a variety of materials to give different finishes and properties. They should be of prepared or planed material to ensure that the wall is of constant thickness with parallel faces. Care must be taken to ensure that timber studs are completely dry when installed, otherwise they may be prone to shrinking and twisting as they dry out. To ensure they do not become damp, they should be stored carefully on site before usage.
Studs an also hold in place windows, doors, insulation, interior finish, utilities, and so on. In order to form interior and exterior corners, intersecting walls, headers, jambs and sills, studs can be bundled together.
There are different names for studs used to frame window and door openings. These include:
- King stud: On either side of a window or door, running from the bottom to top plate.
- Trimmer or jack: On either side of a window or door, running from the bottom plate to the underside of a lintel or header.
- Cripple stud: Either above or below a framed opening.
- Post or column: Group of studs fastened side-by-side.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding.
Types of rapidly renewable content
From forestry to agricultural crops and their by-products.
Terraced houses and the public realm
The discernible difference between the public realm of detached housing and of terraced housing.
Put digitalisation and sustainability at the core of curricula
Project management educators are urged.
Looking back at the influence of climate events
From a designer and writer: 'There are limits to growth but no limits to development'.
Terms, histories, theories and practice.
Biophilic design and natural light
Letting in the light and natural elements into spaces.
APM Programme Management Conference 2024
Strategies for Success.
Residential takes the reins as contract awards even out
Contracts down, but remain above the last quarter of 2023.
Celebrating Eid and the largest mud-brick building.
Barry Kingscote claims prestigious CIOB CMYA Award.
The British Mosque: an architectural and social history
The story of some 1,500 mosques or more in Britain.
Heat pump refrigerants, efficiencies and impacts
R12 to R1270 what are the differences?
Global heat pump market in 2023
Challenging times with positive but modest outlook.
Beyond the infrastructure pipeline
Opportunities and chokepoints.