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Headers For Shed Doors and Windows

by Brian Frayser
(Minnesota)

Door or Window Header

Do I use a single 2x6 or double 2x6's for headers above doors and windows? Thanks.

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Jun 14, 2021
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How To Make Door and Window Headers for Your Shed
by: John

Hi Brian,

This is a great question! For making door and window headers you will want to make them out of double 2x's with a 1/2" filler in between the 2x's. The filler can be 1/2" OSB or plywood.

So for example the picture I have with this comment shows a double 2x6 header over a 36" door opening. For that span of 36", a double 2x6 header would be appropriate.

Headers should be used in walls that are load bearing. A load bearing wall for example like in the picture of the lean to shed would be a wall that the ends of the roof framing rest on. The end walls or the shorter walls in this example are non-load bearing and would not need a header above them.

To know what size 2x to use for headers over shed doors and windows in load bearing walls you can google 'header spans' and check the table for the right size lumber to use.

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