Header (Beam Over Opening)
A horizontal structural member spanning an opening in a load-bearing wall (door, window, garage) that transfers loads from above to the jack studs on either side.
In Detail
Headers are sized based on the span of the opening and the loads carried. IRC Table R602.7(1) provides prescriptive header sizes for standard residential openings. For spans over 6 feet in load-bearing walls, engineered headers (LVL, PSL) are often more practical than solid sawn lumber. Double 2× headers are typical for openings up to 6 feet.
Related Materials
LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber)
Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is a high-strength engineered wood product made from thin wood veneers bonded with structural adhesive under heat and pressure. It is the most commonly specified engineered beam and header material in residential and light commercial construction.
PSL (Parallel Strand Lumber)
Parallel strand lumber (PSL) is a high-strength engineered wood product made from long, thin strands of wood veneer bonded with waterproof adhesive under high pressure. Known commercially as Parallam PSL (Weyerhaeuser), it is used for beams, columns, and posts where maximum load-carrying capacity is required.