I'm currently updating my 1980s colonial home and we have a contractor replacing a window with a large 96 x 80" sliding door leading out to a new patio. The framing is done, and I've noticed there are two jack studs beneath the header, but no king studs. Are king studs really necessary in this setup? Should I ask the contractor to cut into the drywall to add them?
3 Answers
Yes, king studs are pretty important! They give structure to the jack studs, which is crucial to prevent the opening from shifting later on. Without them, you're relying a lot on the drywall or siding to hold things in place, which isn't ideal. You should definitely check with your contractor about adding them.
For your situation, it's also worth noting that king studs help with nailing the casing on. Plus, depending on what's above the door, you might need double jack studs. Since you have a second story above, getting that king stud on the right side could prevent future issues.
Actually, whether you need king studs can depend on the type of opening you're framing. But in your case, it sounds like they should be included unless an engineer gives you the okay to skip them. It's always better to be safe!