How To Frame A Header For A Sliding Glass Door

This is the actual thickness of a 2x4.

How to frame a header for a sliding glass door.

Wide a common patio door width. Cut the door header. Also be aware double or triple jack studs may be required based on the opening width and the load the header carries. Measure the width of your door frame.

The steps to frame a sliding door and the tools required for the job are listed below. You can access a free copy of the 2012 international building code here. When in doubt use 2 by 12 inch headers. You will need to add 1 2 of plywood between the 2x4 s to get the right wall thickness of 3 1 2.

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. When in doubt build a double 2 12 header sandwich like we explain next. Non load bearing windows and doors do not require a structural header.

Section r502 5 shares allowable girder and header spans. Be sure to check code requirements prior to framing. Most door frames that are 4 feet wide or less require a 2 by 6 header. When installing a sliding door the frame is going to require the most attention.

If the door is not framed correctly the door will not stay in place. 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.