How to Build a Window Header
Whenever a window is included in a building, it requires a header to bear the weight of the floors or roof above it. Window headers are typically made of 2-by-12 boards nailed together. The window is framed by using jack studs on either side of the opening that terminate at the point where the window header will be placed. On the other side of the jack studs are king studs that run from floor to ceiling. The window header is placed on top of the jack studs and nailed to the king studs from the side and toe-nailed into the jack stud.
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Things You'll Need
- Saw (hand, circular or miter)
- Hammer
- 2-by-12 boards
- 1/2-inch plywood or oriented strand board
Instructions
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1
Measure the distance between the king studs to determine the length of the header.
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2
Cut two header boards to length. Use 2-by-12 boards.
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3
Cut a piece of 1/2-inch plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) to use as a spacer between the header boards. Cut it to the same length and height as the header boards.
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4
Assemble the header by sandwiching the spacer piece of plywood or OSB between the two pieces of header board and nailing them together. Nail from both sides of the header.
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