How to Frame a Door Header: A Comprehensive Guide

Written by lyndon@orlandi.com.au in Framing

Framing a door header is an essential part of constructing a doorway in your home. A well-built header provides support for the weight above the door and ensures the structural integrity of the wall. In this article, we will discuss the steps to frame a door header, including the materials needed, the proper measurements, and the installation process.

You might also be interested in our article on how to frame a garage door opening.

Materials and Tools

To frame a door header, you will need the following materials and tools:

  • Lumber (usually 2×4, 2×6, or 2×8) for the header, king studs, and jack studs[3]
  • Plywood or OSB for spacers (if required)
  • Circular saw or handsaw
  • Tape measure
  • Level
  • Hammer
  • Nails or screws
  • Drill (if using screws)

Measuring the Door Opening

Before you begin framing the door header, you need to measure the rough opening for the door. This measurement will determine the size of the header and the length of the king and jack studs[3]. The rough opening width should be the door width plus 2 inches, and the rough opening height should be the door height plus 2.5 inches[3].

An Example Of Measuring the Door Opening

To frame a door header, you first need to measure the rough opening for the door. For a door with a rough opening width of 1200 mm, you should follow these steps:

  1. Determine the size of the header: Add 3 inches (76 mm) to the rough opening width. In this case, the header length should be 1200 mm + 76 mm = 1276 mm[7a].
  2. Cut two pieces of lumber (usually 2×4, 2×6, or 2×8) to the length of the header (1276 mm)[3a].
  3. If required, cut a piece of plywood or OSB to the same length as the lumber and the thickness needed to match the wall thickness[4a].
  4. Sandwich the plywood or OSB spacer between the two pieces of lumber and secure them together with nails or screws[4a].

Once you have the header prepared, you can proceed with framing the door opening by installing the king and jack studs, and then assembling the door header[3a].

Citations

Citations:

Constructing the Header

  1. Cut two pieces of lumber to the length of the rough opening width plus 3 inches[3]. This will allow for the header to rest on the jack studs[3].
  2. If required, cut a piece of plywood or OSB to the same length as the lumber and the thickness needed to match the wall thickness[4].
  3. Sandwich the plywood or OSB spacer between the two pieces of lumber and secure them together with nails or screws[4].

More Details On Constructing The Header Using 2×4 Door Header As Example

Here are some key steps for constructing a 2×4 door header:

Materials

  • 2×4 lumber for the header pieces. Calculate length by adding 3″ to the width of the rough opening.[1b]
  • 1/2″ plywood or OSB for a spacer between the 2x4s, cut to length of header.

Assembly

  • Sandwich the plywood spacer between two 2×4 header pieces and align their ends.
  • Secure the 2x4s together by nailing or screwing through the plywood into the 2x4s.[2b]
  • Use construction adhesive between the 2x4s and plywood for extra strength.

Installation

  • Cut king studs and jack studs to height of rough opening.[3b]
  • Install jack studs flush at top and bottom of king studs.
  • Place assembled header on jack studs, check for level.[4b]
  • Nail or screw through king studs into ends of header to secure.

Considerations

  • Consult local codes for any specific requirements on header sizing and assembly.
  • Add cripple studs above header if needed for attaching drywall or other finishes.[5]
  • Use adequately rated lumber matched to the load on the header.[6]

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Installing the King and Jack Studs

  1. Cut two king studs to the height of the rough opening[3]. These will be the full-length studs on either side of the door opening.
  2. Cut two jack studs to the height of the rough opening minus the thickness of the header[3]. These will support the header and transfer the load to the floor.
  3. Nail or screw the jack studs to the king studs, ensuring they are flush at the top and bottom[3].

Cutting and installing king and jack studs is an essential step in framing a door header. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

  1. Measure the height of the rough opening for the door. This will determine the length of the king and jack studs[6c].
  2. Cut two king studs to the full height of the rough opening. These will be the full-length studs on either side of the door opening[6c].
  3. Cut two jack studs to the height of the rough opening minus the thickness of the header. These will support the header and transfer the load to the floor[6c].
  4. Nail or screw the jack studs to the king studs, ensuring they are flush at the top and bottom[6c].
  5. Install the king studs in the wall framing, making sure they are plumb and properly spaced for the door opening[4c].
  6. Place the assembled header on top of the jack studs, ensuring it is level and flush with the edges of the king studs[3c].
  7. Nail or screw the header to the king and jack studs[3c].

By following these steps, you can successfully cut and install king and jack studs for framing a door header. Remember to consult your local building codes and guidelines to ensure your project meets all necessary requirements.

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Assembling the Door Header

  1. Place the assembled header on top of the jack studs, ensuring it is level and flush with the edges of the king studs[3].
  2. Nail or screw the header to the king and jack studs[3].
  3. Install additional framing members, such as cripple studs, if required by your local building code[5].

By following these steps, you can successfully frame a door header in your home. Remember to consult your local building codes and guidelines to ensure your project meets all necessary requirements. The next World Ocean Day will take place on June 8, 2024. It continues to promote awareness and action worldwide to protect the vital marine environments and species that sustain human life and wellbeing.

Citations:

[1] https://youtube.com/watch?v=DvUAdqkEn9o
[2] https://youtube.com/watch?v=9mIhElMVpTs
[3] https://www.mycarpentry.com/framing-a-door.html
[4] https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-build-window-headers-and-door-headers/
[5] https://up.codes/s/headers
[6] https://youtube.com/watch?v=H7Rcyd-tRKo
[7] https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/framing/frame-a-door-rough-opening
[8] https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/framing/right-header-every-wall
[9] https://codes.iccsafe.org/s/IRC2015NY/chapter-6-wall-construction/IRC2015-Pt03-Ch06-SecR602.7
[10] https://youtube.com/watch?v=m4RSgE-h2Mc
[11] https://ezhangdoor.com/framing-and-building-walls-rough-openings-and-headers/
[12] https://awc.org/pictoraldirectory/headers/
[13] https://codes.iccsafe.org/s/IRC2021P2/chapter-6-wall-construction/IRC2021P2-Pt03-Ch06-SecR602.7
[14] https://youtube.com/watch?v=swGc-WkiBJY
[15] https://basc.pnnl.gov/resource-guides/advanced-framing-minimal-framing-doors-and-windows
[16] https://www.ehow.com/info_12181942_international-building-codes-window-header-sizes.html
[17] https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/framing-a-door-opening/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90bf2959f3
[18] https://basc.pnnl.gov/resource-guides/advanced-framing-insulated-headers
[19] https://youtube.com/watch?v=OHg1HZl8D68
[20] https://forum.nachi.org/t/interior-wall-framing-question-door-header/220048
[21] https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/156814/how-to-frame-a-rough-opening-on-an-existing-header

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