What do jack studs support?

Jack studs are smaller vertical framing members that are used to support the weight of a header or lintel over an opening such as a door or window. Their primary function is to transfer the load from the header down to the bottom plate of the wall while providing additional strength and stability at the sides of the opening.

By supporting the lintel, jack studs help to distribute the load and ensure that the structural integrity of the wall is maintained around the opening. This prevents issues such as sagging or cracking that can occur if the weight is not properly supported.

While the other choices may relate to framing components, they do not align with the specific support role that jack studs provide. This distinction is crucial in understanding how load-bearing systems work in residential construction.