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. Measure the width of your door frame. The steps to frame a sliding door and the tools required for the job are listed below. When in doubt build a double 2 12 header sandwich like we explain next. Most door frames that are 4 feet wide or less require a 2 by 6 header.
When in doubt use 2 by 12 inch headers. In all but the most bizarre situations they ll easily carry the weight for 4 ft. Wide window and door openings and in most situations be code compliant for openings up to 6 ft. You can access a free copy of the 2012 international building code here.
A 36 door has a rough opening width of 38 so your header is cut at 41. Be sure to check code requirements prior to framing. If the door is not framed correctly the door will not stay in place. When installing a sliding door the frame is going to require the most attention.
This is the actual thickness of a 2x4. Section r502 5 shares allowable girder and header spans. Also be aware double or triple jack studs may be required based on the opening width and the load the header carries. Cut the door header.
You will need to add 1 2 of plywood between the 2x4 s to get the right wall thickness of 3 1 2. Wide a common patio door width.