What is the maximum span for a 2×12, 2×10, 2×8 and 2×6 header | maximum allowable span for a double 2×12 header | maximum allowable span for a doubled 2×10 header | maximum allowable span for a double 2×8 header | maximum allowable span for a double 2×6 header | maximum allowable span for a double 2×4 header.
A header is a horizontal beam generally made of timber that provided along the opening 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 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 nonbearing wall.
In this article you know about “what is the maximum span for a 2×12, 2×10, 2×8 and 2×6 header” that will help you in better understanding and to figure out or estimate of header size and their depth and help in important for you to use the right size header.
What is the maximum span for a 2×12, 2×10, 2×8 and 2×6 header
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 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.
The rule of thumb is used for calculating maximum allowable span for 2×12, 2×10, 2×8, 2×6 and 2×4 size header to be 1 inch of header depth per foot of span, such as doubled 2×6 for a 6 foot opening, and doubled 2×8 for a 8 foot opening.
As per Thumb Rules and guidelines, header to be 1 inch of header depth per foot of span, so, the maximum span for a double 2×12 size header is 12 foot, 10 foot span for a double 2×10 header, 8 foot span for a double 2×8 header, 6 foot span for a double 2×6 header, and 4 foot span for a double 2×4 header which can safely transfer it to the trimmers down to the floors and foundations below.
What is the maximum span for a 2×12 header
As per general thumb rules and guidelines, 12 feet is the maximum allowable span for a double 2×12 or 4×12 size header. Thus, nominal size of a 2 2×12 header can maximum span upto 12 feet. Thus, a double 2×12 size header is most suitable for a 12 foot span or opening.
What is the maximum span for a 2×10 header
As per general thumb rules and guidelines, 10 feet is the maximum allowable span for a double 2×10 or 4×10 size header. Thus, nominal size of a 2 2×10 header can maximum span upto 10 feet. Thus, a double 2×10 size header is most suitable for a 10 foot span or opening.
What is the maximum span for a 2×8 header
As per general thumb rules and guidelines, 8 feet is the maximum allowable span for a double 2×8 or 4×8 size header. Thus, nominal size of a 2 2×8 header can maximum span upto 8 feet. Thus, a double 2×8 size header is most suitable for a 8 foot span or opening.
What is the maximum span for a 2×6 header
As per general thumb rules and guidelines, 6 feet is the maximum allowable span for a double 2×6 or 4×6 size header. Thus, nominal size of a 2 2×6 header can maximum span upto 6 feet. Thus, a double 2×6 size header is most suitable for a 6 foot span or opening.
What is the maximum span for a 2×4 header
As per general thumb rules and guidelines, 4 feet is the maximum allowable span for a double 2×4 or 4×4 size header. Thus, nominal size of a 2 2×4 header can maximum span upto 6 feet. Thus, a double 2×4 size header is most suitable for a 4 foot span or opening.
How far can a 2×4 header span
As per general rules and guidelines, nominal size of a double 2×4 header can span upto 4 feet. Thus, 4 feet is maximum allowable span for a double 2×4 size header. Therefore, for a span upto 4 foot opening, you will need a double 2×4 size header. A double 2×4 size header is needed for a 4 foot span or opening.
How far can a 2×6 header span
As per general rules and guidelines, nominal size of a double 2×6 header can span upto 6 feet. Thus, 6 feet is maximum allowable span for a double 2×6 size header. Therefore, for a span upto 6 foot, you will need a double 2×6 size header. A double 2×6 size header is needed for a 6 foot span or opening.
How far can a 2×8 header span
As per general rules and guidelines, nominal size of a double 2×8 header can span upto 8 feet. Thus, 8 feet is maximum allowable span for a double 2×8 size header. Therefore, for a span upto 8 foot, you will need a double 2×8 size header. A double 2×8 size header is needed for a 8 foot span or opening.
How far can a 2×10 header span
As per general rules and guidelines, nominal size of a double 2×10 header can span upto 10 feet. Thus, 10 feet is maximum allowable span for a double 2×10 size header. Therefore, for a span upto 10 foot, you will need a double 2×10 size header. A double 2×10 size header is needed for a 10 foot span or opening.
How far can a 2×12 header span
As per general rules and guidelines, nominal size of a double 2×12 header can span upto 12 feet. Thus, 12 feet is maximum allowable span for a double 2×12 size header. Therefore, for a span upto 12 foot, you will need a double 2×12 size header. A double 2×12 size header is needed for a 12 foot span or opening.
Conclusions:-
As per Thumb Rules and guidelines, header to be 1 inch of header depth per foot of span, so, the maximum span for a double 2×12 size header is 12 foot, 10 foot span for a double 2×10 header, 8 foot span for a double 2×8 header, 6 foot span for a double 2×6 header, and 4 foot span for a double 2×4 header.
