A short, vertical piece of lumber used in framing a building is commonly referred to by a specific term. These lumber pieces do not run the full height of a wall. Rather, they are installed above or below an opening, such as a window or door, or between a sill plate and a header. They provide support between these structural elements.
These structural components are essential for transferring loads and maintaining the integrity of a wall. Their strategic placement contributes to the overall stability of the framed structure, preventing sagging or deformation around openings. Historically, builders have employed these supports to effectively distribute weight and create robust frameworks.