What type of stud is placed at each side of the rough window opening?

In residential and light commercial construction, the stud placed at each side of the rough window opening is known as the trimmer stud. Trimmer studs serve the important purpose of supporting the weight of the header that spans above the window, as well as providing a frame for the opening.

The header is a beam placed across the top of the window to transfer loads from above, while the trimmer studs support this header at its ends. This helps maintain the integrity of the wall structure and ensures that the window area is properly framed to accommodate the window unit being installed.

Having trimmer studs on either side of the rough opening also allows for better attachment points for the window itself, ensuring that the entire assembly is stable and secure.

In contrast, king studs run vertically alongside the trimmer studs, extending from the bottom plate to the top plate of the wall, and help to provide additional support to the wall structure. Blocking studs are horizontal pieces placed between vertical studs to provide additional support or to prevent bowing, while header studs aren't a standard term used, as the proper term is simply "header" to indicate the structural beam above the opening.