When framing a garage door, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. The size and weight of the door will affect the framing, as will the type of door you choose. Here is everything you need to know about garage door framing.
Factors to be considered for garage door framing
Size of the Garage Door:
The size of your garage door will determine the framing necessary. A standard single-car garage door is typically 8 feet wide and 7 feet high. If your garage is more significant than this, you will need to frame the opening proportionately larger.
Weight of the Garage Door:
The weight of your garage door will also affect the framing. A common rule of thumb is that the structure should support 10 pounds per square foot. For a standard 8-foot by 7-foot door, the weight of the garage would fall in the 80 to 100-pound range. This means that you’ll need to use 2-inch x 6-inch framing at a minimum for an 8 foot, 7-foot high door.
Type of Door You Choose:
The type of door you choose also affects your framing. In general, metal doors require a more rigid structure than wood doors because they are heavier and give less when raised and lowered. If you want a nice-looking wooden door over an average steel one, it is generally cheaper to buy a better quality steel door and spend slightly more on the framing materials.
Additional Considerations:
There are a few other things to consider when framing a garage door. If your door is going to be an automatic one, you will need to install an electric opener and prepare the opening for that. Additionally, if you are installing a window in your garage door, you will need to frame that opening as well. This should be done with 1-by lumber and lag screws just as you would for the rest of the framing.
Top 4 best ideas about garage door framing
1. Standard 8 Foot by 7 Foot Door
For a standard 8 foot, 7-foot high door, you will need to use 2-inch x 6-inch framing at a minimum for an 8 foot, 7-foot tall door.
2. Heavy Metal Door
If your garage door will be a heavy metal one, it is generally cheaper to buy a better quality steel door and spend slightly more on the framing materials. You should consider using 2-by lumber to correctly frame this type of garage door opening.
3. Automatic Garage Door
If you are installing an automatic garage door, you will need to frame its opening as well. A common rule of thumb is that the framing should support 10 pounds per square foot. This means that for a standard 8-foot by 7-foot door with an electric opener, you’ll need to use 2-inch x 6-inch framing at a minimum.
4. Wood Door
If you choose a wood door over average steel one, it is generally cheaper to buy a better quality steel door and spend slightly more on the framing materials. You should consider using 2-by lumber to correctly frame this type of garage door opening.
How to frame the garage door?
Frame the Door opening
The first step in framing a garage door is to prepare the door opening. This is typically done with 2-by lumber, though if your garage is more significant than this, you will need to frame the space proportionately larger. The opening height should be 7 feet, which is the standard height for a garage door. The width of the opening can be whatever you like, but it is recommended to make it at least as wide as the door itself.
Once you have the dimensions of your door opening, cut two 2-by pieces of lumber to fit along each side and staple or nail them in place. These will serve as temporary supports so you can move the garage door in and out without damaging the walls.
Frame Header
You will next need to frame a header for your door. The title is essentially a ‘header beam’ that anchors the rest of the framing to hold up against gravity. It should be made from 1-by lumber that spans from one end of your garage to another and rests on top of the studs you installed earlier.
Lift Supports
There are a few other things to consider when framing a garage door, including an electric opener for an automatic garage. Additionally, if you are installing a window in your garage door, you will need to frame that opening as well. A common rule of thumb is that the framing should support 10 pounds per square foot.
This means that for a standard 8-foot by 7-foot door with an electric opener, you’ll need to use 2-inch x 6-inch framing at a minimum. If you have any other questions or concerns, be sure to consult an expert. A professional can help you figure out the best way to frame your garage door and ensure safe and properly installed.
Windows
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If you install windows in your garage door (or any part of it), you will need to frame the opening appropriately. For this type of door, use 1-by lumber and lag screws just like the rest of the framing.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- How long does it typically take to frame a garage door?
This can vary depending on how oversized your garage is and what type of materials you use. However, it should only take an experienced carpenter around 30 minutes to frame a standard seven 8-foot garage.
- What tools will I need for this type of project?
You will need a miter saw or circular saw to cut the lumber needed for framing your garage door, as well as a drill, measuring tape, hammer, and nails/staples to secure everything together correctly.
- Is there anything you should be aware of before starting this project?
Always wear safety glasses when using power tools during any DIY project. Additionally, consider having a friend on hand to help you lift the garage door into place if needed.
