What are the primary wall framing members called?

The primary wall framing members are called studs. Studs are vertical components that form the framework of walls in a building. They provide structural support, create the spaces for insulation, and serve as attachment points for drywall or other wall coverings. Typically, studs are spaced evenly throughout the wall to distribute weight and provide stability.

While beams are horizontal members that support the loads from above, and headers are horizontal members placed over openings like doors and windows to transfer loads around those spaces, they are not the primary components of wall framing itself. Joists, on the other hand, are also horizontal members, but they are primarily used to support floors and ceilings rather than walls. Therefore, in the context of wall construction, studs are indeed the correct answer.