Header Size For French Doors

When in doubt use 2 by 12 inch headers.

Header size for french doors.

For header spans see tables r502 5 1 and r502 5 2. Between 4 and 5 feet the header should be built 2 inches wide and 8 inches long while a larger opening needs a header that is 2 by 12. Getting the rough opening size right the first time will save you from frustration when installing your doors. So if you re on the top floor you can use 2 2x4 s unless the building is 36 wide in which case you ll need 2 2x6 s.

Window headers support the roof and other structure above a window. The header is supported on both ends by two shorter studs called trimmers or jack studs see illustration which are placed inside the king studs see image. If you choose a header that is too small its weakness could lead to a collapse. Window door garage door headers supporting roof loads only.

Framing rough opening sizes are really quite simple. The clever way i used to build headers. If you are putting in an opening between 4 and 5 feet wide then you ll need two 2 by 8 headers. Emily when deciding what size header to install above your new french doors you must first consider the size of the load being supported by the header and wall framing.

For example if you are installing the doors in an exterior bearing wall that is directly supporting the weight of the roof and possibly a second floor then double 2 x 10s. You should add 2 1 2 to the height of the actual door. Window door garage door headers supporting roof wall floor loads. If the opening will be 5 to 6 feet wide such as for double doors then you will need two 2 by 10 headers.

My first job as a carpenter s helper was to construct headers for the tract houses we were building. Measure the width of your door frame. Tables providing size selections for various beam spans and loading combinations for southern pine dimension lumber and southern pine glued laminated timber are available for the following applications. The opening for the new french doors requires a header that spans the opening and carries the weight of the rafters above it.

The header supports the framing above the opening and is also used for windows or any opening. Most door frames that are 4 feet wide or less require a 2 by 6 header. Header size required to support the roof ceiling and one center bearing floor of a 28 ft. Just add 2 to the width of the actual door size.

The right header size. If you have a floor above you ll need 2 2x6 s unless the building is 36 wide in which case you ll need 2 2x8 s. Without headers of the proper size your walls could fall in. This will give you room to space the door frame off of the sub floor.