When boring a hole in a wood stud near the edge, what is the closest the hole can be placed to the edge?

The closest a hole can be placed to the edge of a wood stud is 5/8 inch. This standard is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of the wood stud. If holes are drilled too close to the edge, it can compromise the strength of the stud, potentially leading to splitting or reduced load-bearing capacity.

Building codes and best practices provide guidelines to ensure that drilled holes do not weaken the material unnecessarily. Maintaining a distance of 5/8 inch or more helps to balance the need for electrical wiring or plumbing passage with the wood’s structural capabilities. As for the other distances, although they are closer to the edge, they do not conform to the best practices that help prevent damage to the wood's structural integrity.