Garage Door Header Framing

The procedure for constructing a header for 6 inch exterior wall framing can be modified for any wall thickness.

Garage door header framing.

If you are installing a 9 wide door the opening will be 9 3 wide. In an attempt to construct portal frames some garages are built with one continuous garage header extending over two or three garage door openings as shown in figure a. Ideally 2 x6 is the most used header size. Building a structural header for a garage door opening can be handled on the jobsite and will offer the same structural support as more expensive solid wood beams.

Normally deflection isn t too noticeable but with a garage door header you have the reference of the door. Interior and exterior doors are framed basically the same way but interior doors are. Framing for a non load bearing door header. Frame the rough opening to 3 inches wider than the garage door size you have selected.

Garage wall framing typically utilizes this technique encompassing the vehicle doors. If the door is 7 tall frame the opening 7 1 5. Header the header is ideally a minimum 12 wide micro laminated beam that spans the width of the garage door opening. Use 2 inch lumber for the jambs as well and ensure they are appropriately nailed to the door opening with the help of a nail gun or hammer.

All doors are set into a frame an opening inside the wall. Frame the rough opening to a height that is 1 5 taller than the door that you have selected. Framing nails are highly recommended. If you go with a raised panel door it is even more noticeable if there s any sag.

Local and national building codes have specific structural requirements pertaining to beam sizes to span specific wall openings relative to the wall loads so consult your local building department before beginning this.