Header Size for Framing Dummies

standard framing members

In case you haven't noticed, the staffers at the Antisocial Network do not suffer fools gladly. We know, we know: that phrase hasn't been "cool" since about 2008. On the other hand, we've used it a lot longer than that. Whether it's current or not, the sentiment is true; and that's precisely why we do not gladly suffer a fool by the name of Rich Finzer. Rich's status as fool (and DotD nominee) has been based on a Homesteady.com post titled "Proper Size Wood for a Door Header."¹

Those who came to this page aware of what a header is will quickly realize that the OQ rather clumsily searched for information on the size of 2-by lumber to be used for a header, a dimension that is based on the width of the opening that the header spans and the load on that particular wall.

Finzer's research extended just far enough to learn what headers are, though he performed a rather sloppy job on his copy-reword-paste:

"The vertical framing and header planks of a doorway are a prime example of an arch. The header creates a load bearing platform and transfers the weight of the structure to the vertical framing. The size and number of header planks is often determined by the size of the door opening and the weight of the door to be hung." As always, we have to laugh at the insistence of DMS² on calling 2-by lumber "planks." We're pretty sure the all-holy AP Style Guide doesn't require it... but to the point, that crap about "often determined by"? Sorry, Rich, that bit about "size of the door opening" is correct (although Finzer apparently didn't know it, windows have headers, too), but "the weight of the door" does not enter into the calculation. Instead, there are half a dozen or more factors involved, including the species of wood (Rich didn't mention this), whether it's in a bearing wall (or this), whether it's in an interior or exterior wall (nor this)...

No, about all Finzer did was provide an incorrect explanation of header construction:

"Header planks are stood on their narrow edges and nailed together..."

...which ignores the difference in width between a 2 x 4 (3½ inches) and two 2 x 4s "nailed together" (3 inches). A header is typically a "sandwich" with ½-inch plywood as the "meat."

Rich then goes on to "explain" typical dimensions of headers, somehow concluding that the width of headers is a function of the weight of the door: closets only need 2 x 4s, a pole barn might need triple 2 x 12s to "support the tremendous weight of large sliding barn doors." If you believe Finzer, then an open arch apparently only needs a couple of 2 x 2s. Readers, beware any house built by our Dumbass of the Day: it will collapse of its own weight!

¹ The original has been deleted by Leaf Group, but can still be accessed using the Wayback machine at archive.org. Its URL was   ehow.com/way_5579366_proper-size-wood-door-header.html
² Demand Media Studios, now known as Leaf Group, set the standards for eHow, where this post originated. We like to call them DMS because you can't spell "dumbass" without "DMS."

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