How To Frame A Header For A Sliding Glass Door

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.

How to frame a header for a sliding glass door.

If the door is not framed correctly the door will not stay in place. You will need to add 1 2 of plywood between the 2x4 s to get the right wall thickness of 3 1 2. Most door frames that are 4 feet wide or less require a 2 by 6 header. Cut the door header.

For instance in the basement remodel all the doors have simple 2 4 framing around them. 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. When in doubt use 2 by 12 inch headers.

Wide window and door openings and in most situations be code compliant for openings up to 6 ft. Section r502 5 shares allowable girder and header spans. When installing a sliding door the frame is going to require the most attention. A 36 door has a rough opening width of 38 so your header is cut at 41.

You can access a free copy of the 2012 international building code here. This is the actual thickness of a 2x4. Measure the width of your door frame. Non load bearing windows and doors do not require a structural header.

The steps to frame a sliding door and the tools required for the job are listed below. Also be aware double or triple jack studs may be required based on the opening width and the load the header carries.