How To Frame A Header For A Sliding Glass Door

The steps to frame a sliding door and the tools required for the job are listed below.

How to frame a header for a sliding glass door.

When in doubt build a double 2 12 header sandwich like we explain next. In all but the most bizarre situations they ll easily carry the weight for 4 ft. You can access a free copy of the 2012 international building code here. Measure the width of your door frame.

Cut the door header. This is the actual thickness of a 2x4. You will need to add 1 2 of plywood between the 2x4 s to get the right wall thickness of 3 1 2. Section r502 5 shares allowable girder and header spans.

When installing a sliding door the frame is going to require the most attention. When in doubt use 2 by 12 inch headers. Most door frames that are 4 feet wide or less require a 2 by 6 header. Also be aware double or triple jack studs may be required based on the opening width and the load the header carries.

Non load bearing windows and doors do not require a structural header. 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. 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. Wide a common patio door width.

For instance in the basement remodel all the doors have simple 2 4 framing around them. Wide window and door openings and in most situations be code compliant for openings up to 6 ft.