Use and Care Guide

(Continued) Section 7

FRAMING THE ROUGH OPENING

Double Headers

STEP 1. Measure the header length “H” between

the uncut

joists as shown in Figure 15.

STEP 2. Cut 4 headers this length. Use joist-sized

lumber.

STEP 3. Place one of these headers against the end

of the cut joist(s) as shown in Figure 16. It

must fit snugly between the uncut joists.

Hammer it into position if necessary; if it is

more than 1/16 inch too long, trim it. If it

is more than 1/16 inch too short, cut

another piece.

STEP 4. Square the header to the uncut joist and

nail the header to the end of the cut

joist(s) with 3 nails (16d) as shown in

Figure 16.

STEP 5. Check header for squareness then drive

3 nails (16d) through each joist into each

end of the header as shown in Figure 16.

STEP 6. Place a second header against the first

header and nail it to the first header with

3 nails (16d) between each joist as shown

in Figure 17.

STEP 7. Drive 3 nails (16d) through the joists into

each end of the second header as shown

in Figure 17.

STEP 8. Repeat steps 3-7 to install headers at the

opposite end of the opening.

STEP 9. To frame the other side(s) of the rough

opening, go to “Installing Stringers” on

the next page.

Cut Joist

First Header

Figure 16

Second Header

Nails

Figure 17

Nails

Figure 15

Uncut Joists