How to Build Door Headers

Written by Sailesh Kumar
on Jul 29, 2010

To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.

Reviewed by
Charles Ramos, Jr.
on Aug 11, 2021

If you are looking to save money on getting door headers, you can use materials that you may already have on hand and do it yourself instead of hiring someone to do it for you. You need to keep in mind that structural support is very important and the framed wall you are working with needs to be durable. The size of the door headers you want to make will determine the size and type of materials you will need. The following will give you a general idea.

Measurements

The first thing that you want to do is measure the width of the door’s rough opening. Use a measuring tape and pencil marker for the same.

Markers

Your next step is going to be to mark three lengths of 2x8 framing lumber. The dimensions need to be determined by the measurements in step 1. All you need to do now is add 3 more inches to the earlier dimensions. You will then use a framing square and extend your mark across the face of the board pieces.

Boards

You will next need three lengths of 2x8 cut and marked as in step 2 and you can use a circular saw in order to do this.

Matching

Next, you are going to lay out two pieces of the plywood, ½ inch and 7 ¼ inches wide by the length of the three pieces that are cut 2x8 as in step 3.

Continue

Taking the plywood pieces in step 4, you will cut these out again using the circular saw.

Final Step

The last step is to take the 2x8 pieces along with the plywood and lay them out in alternating layers. You need to do this on a flat surface and keep the ends and the edges flush. Using the 16d nails, you will then attach the pieces together through the already assembled pieces. These should be 6 to 8 inches apart as needed. You will then flip the header over and repeat this step over and over until the assembly is complete.

Pro-Tip

This is one of the easiest ways to accomplish your task without spending a lot of money on unnecessary materials. It is also a great way to be able to get the project done on your own so that you will not need to spend a lot of money paying someone else to do the project for you. Not only are you going to be able to keep your money in your pocket but you will be able to do this over and over again whenever the need arises. All you'll need are a few pieces of board and some nails to do it yourself.