When in doubt build a double 2 12 header sandwich like we explain next.
How to frame a garage door header.
Cut four 2 x 4 trimmers to this length and nail two each to either side of the rough opening.
You will need to add 1 2 of plywood between the 2x4 s to get the right wall thickness of 3 1 2.
Push the new header into place.
If you are installing a 9.
Cut the door header.
Around the sides of your door add enough lumber to support the weight of the garage door header.
Wide window and door openings and in most situations be code compliant for openings up to 6 ft.
Lay a single piece of the 1 inch by 11 inch lumber cut in.
Take some 2x4 s and use these to add 3 rows of supporting frames around the sides of the door and just below the header.
You need at least 2 rows of wood to hold up the header on each side making up 4 studs on each half of the header.
This header should be an inch and a half higher than the garage door and 9 inches wider than the door.
Wide a common patio door width.
This is the actual thickness of a 2x4.
To finish the opening.
Cut three pieces of 1 inch by 11 inch lumber to the width measurement of the garage door rough opening plus 12.
If the door is 7.
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.
In all but the most bizarre situations they ll easily carry the weight for 4 ft.
Frame the rough opening to a height that is 1 5 taller than the door that you have selected.
These will help to support the new garage door header.
Frame the rough opening to 3 inches wider than the garage door size you have selected.
Rip 11 inch wide strips of inch plywood using a circular saw.
Frame the rough opening for the garage door to 3 inches wider than the garage door you have selected.
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.
Measure the distance from the bottom plate of the wall to a point that is 1 1 2 inches higher that the garage door height.
How to build a garage door header step 1.