The Ontario Building Code | Studs at Sides of Openings
9.23.10.6. studs at Sides of openings="http://thehandyforce.com/windows/" title ="Window installer in Toronto">openings
(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), studs shall be doubled on each side of openings="http://thehandyforce.com/windows/" title ="Window installer in Toronto">openings so that the inner studs extend from the lintel to the bottom wall plate and the outer studs extend from the top wall plates to the bottom wall plate.
(2) Single studs are permitted to be used on either side of openings="http://thehandyforce.com/windows/" title ="Window installer in Toronto">openings,
(a) in non-loadbearinginterior walls not required to have fire-resistance ratings, provided the studs extend from the top wall plate to the bottom wall plate, or
(b) in loadbearingor non-loadbearing interior or exterior walls, provided,
(i) the opening is less than and within the required stud spacing, and
(ii) no two such openings="http://thehandyforce.com/windows/" title ="Window installer in Toronto">openings of full stud space width are located in adjacent stud spaces.
In Plain Language
Studs at the sides of openings (such as around windows and doors) must meet the requirements set out in this article, since these studs often carry additional load from the header above the opening.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.