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About This Project
These wooden “bridges” let us create lots of big openings without weakening the walls.
Whether remodeling, adding on or building “from scratch,” we take great pains to construct strong, stable, enduring walls. Then we proceed to cut in opening after opening to accommodate the big, sun-filled windows, entry doors and patio doors we love. Strange, yes. But if we create these openings the right way, we never have to fear our walls or houses will collapse. And that “right way” means using the structural support system that has been developed over the years to keep our houses solid and happy. Here’s why you can punch in those big openings and what you need to know the next time you add on to or remodel your home.
Headers—Think of Them as Bridges
If you were to slide on those old Marvel Comics X-ray
Specs (you know, the ones that can see through
anything), and look around your doors and
windows, you’d see something amazing. Over each window and door
you’d find a sturdy wooden bridge—and at each end you’d find support pillars. These bridges aren’t glamorous like the Golden Gate or
Brooklyn bridges, but they’re darn important. They’re the
structural elements that allow us to install windows and doors without
weakening the walls.
In the real world of architects, carpenters and lumberyards, these bridges are called headers. The vertical pillars supporting each end (normally composed of 2x4s or 2x6s) are called king studs and trimmers (or jack studs). In most wood frame dwellings, headers are made of dimensional lumber installed on edge. The king studs nailed into the end of each header and the trimmers that butt just under the header combine to create a sturdy vertical support column.
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