| As a building contractor it is my job to assemble | | | | A long time ago carpenters used a standard rule |
| the house to meet the specifications from the | | | | of thumb, you could go up two sizes larger than |
| architect and the structural engineer. I do this by | | | | the window opening for your header. Let me give |
| looking at the building plans and installing the | | | | you an example of what I'm trying to explain. |
| specified lumber sizes. I can take it upon myself | | | | A 4 foot wide window opening would require a 4 |
| to install a larger size wood beam or window | | | | x 6 window header. A 6 foot window opening |
| header adding an additional cost to the job of | | | | would require a 4 x 8 window header. This should |
| course. I don't think so. | | | | give you an idea of what I mean by going up two |
| It's not uncommon for a framing contractor that | | | | sizes larger than the window opening to figure out |
| has an additional 5 foot scrap piece of 4 x 8 left | | | | the lumber necessary to use for your window |
| over that he now has no use for. He can then | | | | header. |
| choose to use the 4 x 8 instead of a 4 x 6 for | | | | This rule of thumb does not necessarily apply in |
| the window header. This type of building is | | | | today's building industry. The reason for this is |
| common and acceptable. | | | | structural changes from earthquake damage. The |
| If the structural engineer calls out for 4 x 6 | | | | structural requirements that are required for |
| window and door headers do not take it upon | | | | building a home require a lot more metal bracing |
| yourself to replace the 4 x 6 with a 4 x 4. I have | | | | and strapping. Therefore some of the lumber |
| seen too many framing contractors or carpenters | | | | requirements for beam sizes and window headers |
| make an on-the-job judgment like this. | | | | will be different. |
| A good example would be a single story house | | | | This message is for general contractors, framing |
| with 2 foot wide windows that require a 4 x 6 | | | | contractors and carpenters. When installing a |
| window header. As the carpenter builds homes | | | | window header and you take it upon yourself to |
| over the years he can come to his own | | | | change the size you also assume the responsibility |
| conclusion that a 4x4 will work fine for this | | | | if the building fails. This type of mistake is |
| application. Again keep this in mind as a framing | | | | common and you guys know what I'm talking |
| contractor and a carpenter you are assembling | | | | about. |
| the home not designing it. | | | | It's not worth it. Keep in mind you are the |
| Do not change the sizes of any headers or | | | | assembler and not the designer of the building you |
| beams. | | | | are working on. |