How To Frame A Header For A Sliding Glass Door

You will need to add 1 2 of plywood between the 2x4 s to get the right wall thickness of 3 1 2.

How to frame a header for a sliding glass door.

Keep checking with your level to see if it is even. Use a level to keep up with how even the frame is. The existing header is 2 2x8 and is actually long enough for the new door. To slide the header in place steve used a spare 2 6 to push the header up and a maul sledge hammer to push the header over.

Measure the width of your door frame. A typical header width with single jack studs is cut 3 larger than the rough opening. Remove the studs and frame in the header. The king studs nailed into the end of each header and the trimmers that butt just under the header combine to create a sturdy vertical support column.

Once you know the depth of the header it s width is cut to fit from king stud to king stud with the jack studs fitting under it to help disperse the loads. Complete the nail install on the lower left hand side of the sliding door frame. Position header across opening. We are installing a new 6 sliding glass door to replace an existing window.

Together the headers king studs and trimmers act as a system that transfers weight from above down and around the window and door openings to the floor and foundation below. These framing nails are 3 long and when nailing two pieces of 2x together angling the nail gun prevents the nail tip from protruding on the opposite side. This is an extra step that adds to the cost and it will probably have to be included in the plans you file to get the permit. Between 4 and 5 feet the header should be built 2 inches wide and 8 inches long while a larger opening needs a header that is 2 by 12.

Nail the rest of the frame up around the door but keep checking with the level to ensure it is equal all the way around. If the wall is load bearing you will have to construct a temporary wall to support weight before you can install the header. A open frame package and inspect all components against parts list for count and accuracy. B measure the length of track and headers they should be the same length and equal to unit width.

This is the actual thickness of a 2x4. When in doubt use 2 by 12 inch headers. C check buck opening width and height in at least three places. So for piece of mind i am leaning toward replacing the header to avoid future problems.

Most door frames that are 4 feet wide or less require a 2 by 6 header. A 36 door has a rough opening width of 38 so your header is cut at 41. To make the door header the top of the door frame cut two 2x4s to the same length as the width of the original opening and nail them securely together.