Garage Door Header Framing

Ideally 2 x6 is the most used header size.

Garage door header framing.

If you go with a raised panel door it is even more noticeable if there s any sag. If the door is 7 tall frame the opening 7 1 5. Frame the rough opening to 3 inches wider than the garage door size you have selected. Interior and exterior doors are framed basically the same way but interior doors are.

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. Framing nails are highly recommended. Garage wall framing typically utilizes this technique encompassing the vehicle doors. Header the header is ideally a minimum 12 wide micro laminated beam that spans the width of the garage door opening.

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. The procedure for constructing a header for 6 inch exterior wall framing can be modified for any wall thickness. The width of the lumber should be between 6 and 8. If you are installing a 9 wide door the opening will be 9 3 wide.

Frame the rough opening to a height that is 1 5 taller than the door that you have selected. A portal frame is defined as two uprights connected at the top by a third horizontal member the header. All doors are set into a frame an opening inside the wall. Header requirement 2 at minimum the header should be 12 wide with doubled 2 4 at opening and ceiling running the width of the door with a 2 4 in the center of the opening for the center bracket to attach to.

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.