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.

Wide window and door openings and in most situations be code compliant for openings up to 6 ft. Cut the door header. This is the actual thickness of a 2x4. Most door frames that are 4 feet wide or less require a 2 by 6 header.

For instance in the basement remodel all the doors have simple 2 4 framing around them. Non load bearing windows and doors do not require a structural header. 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. When in doubt build a double 2 12 header sandwich like we explain next.

Section r502 5 shares allowable girder and header spans. You will need to add 1 2 of plywood between the 2x4 s to get the right wall thickness of 3 1 2. In all but the most bizarre situations they ll easily carry the weight for 4 ft. Be sure to check code requirements prior to framing.

When installing a sliding door the frame is going to require the most attention. 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. Wide a common patio door width.

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. When in doubt use 2 by 12 inch headers.