How to Make a Header for a Patio Door
When building a house, there are several areas of that are considered load bearing. Placing extra support above open spots in the framing, such as windows and doors, is crucial to the structural integrity of the building. There are no center supports in the long open space of the window or door, between the wall studs, so a header is installed to bear the extra weight and downward force. Because of the significant span of patio doors, a header must be installed. Building a header for a patio door requires attention to local building codes as well as carpentry skill. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 2x12 board
- Framing square
- Pencil
- Circular saw
- Tape measure
- Hammer
- #16 nails (3 inches long)
Instructions
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1
Determine the length of header you will need. Your patio door installation guide will give you a rough opening size. This is the amount of space for the door width. Add six inches to the door manufacturer's measurements so you can put two jack studs on each side.
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2
Examine the 2x12 with a framing square to ensure that it is cut straight. If it is square or within 1/16 inch of square, go to Step 5; if not, go to Step 3.
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3
Hold the long edge of your framing square firmly along the top of the header and mark a square line along the short edge of the framing square. Mark the line 1/4 inch from the end of the header with a pencil.
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4
Cut along the pencil line with your circular saw. Make the cut as straight as possible.
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5
Measure the header to cut for your door opening. Hook the end of the tape measure to the square end of the header. Mark the length with a pencil, and square the pencil mark with a framing square.
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6
Cut the header to length using a circular saw. Cut alongside the pencil line, keeping the saw steady. You will want to preserve the pencil line when you make this cut.
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7
Repeat steps 2 through 6 for each board that you will need to make the door header. You will need one to three header boards depending upon the span and the weight load of the header.
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8
Attach the boards together to make the final door header. Start on one end, ensuring the boards are flush on the top and ends. Join the boards together with a hammer and nails, working your way to the opposite end. If you are using more than two boards, turn the header upside down and nail the third board from the top so that your nails will be exposed on both sides of the header, allowing your building inspector to verify that it has been nailed properly.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure you have the proper permits before starting any construction job.
Check your local building code or talk to your local building inspector to determine if 2x12 boards meet code requirements for your area. If not, find out what material can be used (i.e., microlam board).
Your local building code will dictate the exact number of header boards needed.
Consult your local building code or ask your building inspector for proper nail spacing.
