How far can a triple 2×8, 2×6, 2×10 and 2×12 header span depends on many factors like wood species, load, building code and construction requirements.
A header is a horizontal beam generally made of timber that provided along the opening in exterior wall and interior load bearing wall in full length for doorway, window, skylight or stairway. Wood header provide structural support in wood frame construction.
Typically header is provided at least twice size then any other surrounding members such as rafter purlin and stud. It is often made of two to four joists, rafter or studs. It runs between full length supports and along its length and carry the load of shorter studs, joists or rafter that terminate at the opening.
The header helps to provide support, stability and strength to the top and side sections of the door frame. The header for a window & door is seems like a bridge that transferring the weight above it to the floor and foundation below.
Doors in a load-bearing wall that holds the weight of the house, created by beams and trusses, need a larger header than those in non-load-bearing walls. The header is usually made out of dimensional lumber installed on its edge. Calculating and know the size of the header depends on what the header needs to support.
Headers carry the weight of the structure above and transfer it to the trimmers down to the floors and foundations below. Longer openings such as in garage require larger headers. Load bearing walls those that carry the weight of joists and trusses require larger headers than non-bearing wall.
In general, for a 4 to 5-foot span, the typical size of header need to be 3-2×6, while for a 5 to 8-foot span, the typical size of header need to be 3-2×8. Moreover, for a 6 to 9-foot span, the typical size of header need to be 3-2×10, while for a 8 to 10-foot span, the typical size of header need to be 3-2×12.
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How far can a triple 2×8, 2×6, 2×10 and 2×12 header span
Calculating header size is complex as depending on many factors such as:- the length of the window or door opening, the combined weight of the floors, walls and roofs above, the building width, the snow load in the area, whether it’s a load bearing wall where joists, trusses and rafters rest or a non-bearing wall to which joists, trusses and rafters run parallel, whether it’s an exterior or interior bearing wall and what species of wood you’re working with.
In general, a 3-2×10 header can span from 6 to 9 feet, while a 3-2×12 header can span from 8 to 10 feet. Moreover, a 3-2×8 header can span from 5 to 8 feet, while a 3-2×6 header can span from 4 to 5 feet.
How far can a triple 2×10 header span
As per general rules and guidelines, a triple 2×10 or 6×10 size of header made of #2 grade of Douglas fir- larch can allow span upto 9 feet far distance for one floor building and upto 6 feet for 2 floor in load bearing exterior windows & door opening or interior wall when building width is no more than 20 feet wide. Thus, you can span a #2 Douglas fir- larch triple 2×10 size header upto 9 feet far distance for door & window opening in load bearing wall.
How far can a triple 2×12 header span
As per general rules and guidelines, a triple 2×12 or 6×12 size of header made of #2 grade of Douglas fir- larch can allow span upto 10 feet far distance for one floor building and upto 7 feet for 2 floor in load bearing exterior windows & door opening or interior wall when building width is no more than 20 feet wide. Thus, you can span a #2 Douglas fir- larch triple 2×12 size header upto 10 feet far distance for door & window opening in load bearing wall.
How far can a triple 2×8 header span
As per general rules and guidelines, a triple 2×8 or 6×8 size of header made of #2 grade of Douglas fir- larch can allow span upto 7 feet far distance for one floor building and upto 5 feet for 2 floor in load bearing exterior windows & door opening or interior wall when building width is no more than 20 feet wide. Thus, you can span a #2 Douglas fir- larch triple 2×8 size header upto 7 feet far distance for door & window opening in load bearing wall.
How far can a triple 2×6 header span
As per general rules and guidelines, a triple 2×6 or 6×6 size of header made of #2 grade of Douglas fir- larch can allow span upto 5 feet far distance for one floor building and upto 3.5 feet for 2 floor in load bearing exterior windows & door opening or interior wall when building width is no more than 20 feet wide. Thus, you can span a #2 Douglas fir- larch triple 2×6 size header upto 5 feet far distance for door & window opening in load bearing wall.
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Conclusion:-
A triple 2×8 or 6×8 size of header made of #2 grade of Douglas fir- larch can allow span upto 7 feet far distance for one floor building and upto 5 feet for 2 floor in load bearing exterior windows & door opening or interior wall when building width is no more than 20 feet wide.