How To Frame A Header For A Sliding Glass Door

Be sure to check code requirements prior to framing.

How to frame a header for a sliding glass door.

For instance in the basement remodel all the doors have simple 2 4 framing around them. You will need to add 1 2 of plywood between the 2x4 s to get the right wall thickness of 3 1 2. Non load bearing windows and doors do not require a structural header. When in doubt build a double 2 12 header sandwich like we explain next.

Cut the door header. When in doubt use 2 by 12 inch headers. When installing a sliding door the frame is going to require the most attention. In all but the most bizarre situations they ll easily carry the weight for 4 ft.

This is the actual thickness of a 2x4. If the door is not framed correctly the door will not stay in place. Section r502 5 shares allowable girder and header spans. Wide window and door openings and in most situations be code compliant for openings up to 6 ft.

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. 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.

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