Size Garage Door Header

The procedure for constructing a header for 6 inch exterior wall framing can be modified for any wall thickness.

Size garage door header.

The standard size for double garage doors is 16 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet high. Many homeowners have two cars and need garage space to shelter them both. 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. Many 16 x 7 garage doors will be designed with a pair of single 8 foot garage door bays separated by a central post or column.

Many home builders do not consider this a structural necessity but a style and price choice for the homeowner. When in doubt use 2 by 12 inch headers. Most door frames that are 4 feet wide or less require a 2 by 6 header. Window door garage door headers supporting roof loads only.

Building a structural header for a garage door opening can be handled on the jobsite and will offer the same structural support as more expensive solid wood beams. Tables providing size selections for various beam spans and loading combinations for southern pine dimension lumber and southern pine glued laminated timber are available for the following applications. Window door garage door headers supporting roof wall floor loads. Measure the width of your door frame.