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Safety Cue
Task-specific safety guidance for ordinary work hazards.
Project 10
Install Structural Headers
Select, assemble, and install the plan-specified structural headers over designated load-bearing openings, including the jack studs, bearing supports, and connectors required to carry the header load down to the structure below.
Field Cue System
These cues appear at the point of work. They identify safety, code, manufacturer, and measurement issues before they become rework, disputes, or hazards.
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Critical Safety Cue
Serious injury or major structural consequence is possible.
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Field Safety Cue
Practical work-area safety: footing, debris, standing water, and access.
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Code Alert
Local requirements vary. Verify permit, inspection, and jurisdictional rules.
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Manufacturer Cue
Follow product-specific instructions for engineered members and connectors.
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Measurement Cue
Clearance, layout, spacing, and reference-point guidance.
Job Overview
This project qualifies you to prepare and install a plan-specified structural header over a selected load-bearing opening, along with the jack studs, bearing supports, and connectors that transfer the header's load down through the wall to the foundation, beam, or approved structure below. The finished work product is one or more installed headers, seated on verified bearing, fastened to the approved schedule, with a completed load-path inspection and installation record.
You will confirm that the header size and material come from the approved plans, prescriptive code table, engineered span table, or a qualified designer; inspect the header stock and any built-up components; verify the actual rough-opening width and required bearing; assemble multi-ply headers where specified; install the supporting jack studs, posts, or bearing blocks; lift and seat the header; fasten it to the approved schedule; and verify the continuous load path above and below the header before closing the work.
This project follows the rough-opening framing taught in Project 09. Project 09 established king studs, jack studs, header limits, sill members, and cripple-stud locations for both structural and non-structural openings. This project focuses specifically on the structural header itself: selecting the correct material and ply count from the approved schedule, assembling it correctly, and installing it with a verified bearing and load path. It feeds directly into Project 11, where the completed wall — including its installed headers — is raised, plumbed, and braced.
Skills You Will Demonstrate
- FR-055 — Select header material from the approved header schedule, prescriptive code table, engineered table, or qualified designer, and identify its handling restrictions.
- FR-056 — Assemble multi-ply, solid-sawn, or engineered headers according to the approved fastener pattern, spacer requirements, and orientation.
- FR-057 — Install jack studs, posts, bearing blocks, or column assemblies that provide the required bearing beneath each header end.
- FR-058 — Fasten the header to king studs, jack studs, straps, hangers, or other connectors according to the approved connection schedule.
- FR-059 — Verify that the header's load path transfers continuously to the foundation, beam, or approved structure below, without missing or offset support.
- FR-060 — Inspect the completed header installation for elevation, level, bearing length, ply contact, fastener pattern, connector seating, and wall-face alignment, and document the results.
Where This Skill Fits
A header carries the wall and roof or floor loads that would otherwise be carried by the wall studs removed to create a door or window opening. Every pound of load above a structural opening passes through the header, into its jack studs or posts, and down through the wall to the foundation or beam below. A header that is undersized, unsupported, or disconnected from that load path does not fail gradually — it fails as a structural event.
This project sits between Project 09, which frames the rough opening geometry, and Project 11, which raises and braces the completed wall. The load-path verification taught here — confirming that bearing continues uninterrupted from the header, through the jack studs, through the wall, and down to the structure below — is the same verification repeated in Project 20, where the capstone shed's door and window headers are checked against the same standard before the roof is framed.
Scope and Intended Use
This project covers:
- confirming header size, material, ply count, and bearing requirements from the approved header schedule, prescriptive code provisions, engineered tables, or a qualified designer
- inspecting solid-sawn, built-up, laminated veneer lumber (LVL), glulam, steel, or other specified header material for identification, grade, dimensions, damage, and moisture condition
- assembling multi-ply headers with the approved spacers, fasteners, and orientation
- installing jack studs, posts, bearing blocks, or column assemblies beneath each header end
- lifting, seating, and fastening the header according to the approved schedule
- verifying and documenting the continuous load path above and below the header
This project does not authorize the learner to:
- select header size, species, grade, or ply count without an approved header schedule, prescriptive code table, engineered table, or qualified designer's direction
- field-cut, drill, notch, or otherwise alter an engineered header (LVL, glulam, I-joist, or similar product) beyond what the manufacturer's instructions explicitly permit
- substitute a different bearing condition, connector, or fastener for the one specified in the approved connection schedule
- install or load a header with damaged plies, inadequate bearing, or an unresolved discrepancy from the approved plan
Header sizing for any load-bearing opening is structural work. If the approved plans, prescriptive table, or engineered table do not clearly cover the opening's span, load condition, or ply requirement, stop work and obtain direction from a qualified structural professional before proceeding.
Reference Conventions
Establish these references before cutting or assembling any header component, and do not change them once fabrication has started.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Header schedule | The approved document specifying header material, ply count, depth, length, bearing length, and fastening pattern for each scheduled opening |
| Bearing length | The horizontal length of header end resting directly on the jack stud, post, or bearing block below it, measured per the approved schedule |
| Ply | One layer of a multi-ply built-up header; plies are fastened together face-to-face to form the finished header member |
| King stud | The full-height stud at each side of a rough opening, extending from the bottom plate to the top plate, to which the header assembly connects |
| Jack stud (trimmer stud) | The stud that extends from the bottom plate to the underside of the header, providing direct bearing for the header end |
| Load path | The continuous structural route through which a load travels from the roof or floor above, through the header, jack studs, wall, and down to the foundation or beam below |
Header Installation Record
Before cutting or assembling any header component, record the controlling schedule reference and opening identification directly on the header/installation record:
Wall/opening ID: ______ Header schedule reference: ______ Header material and ply count: ______ Required bearing length: ______
Date started: ____________ Builder name: ____________
Common Field Fundamentals
Every header installed in this project follows the same load-path logic: the roof or floor load above bears on the header, the header bears on the jack studs or posts at each end, and those jack studs or posts bear on the wall's bottom plate, which in turn bears on the floor framing or foundation established in Projects 01 through 03. A header is not a finished component until every link in that chain is verified, fastened, and free of gaps.
Material selectionHeader size, material, and ply count confirmed against the approved schedule
AssemblyPlies, spacers, and fasteners assembled per the approved pattern
Bearing supportJack studs, posts, or bearing blocks installed before the header is lifted
Load-path verificationContinuous bearing confirmed from header to foundation or beam below
Header Sizing Authority
Header size, species, grade, ply count, and bearing length are never selected in the field from judgment or from the rough-opening width alone. These values must come from the approved plans, the header schedule supplied with the project specification, a prescriptive code table applicable to the exact span and load condition, an engineered span table for the specific product, or a qualified structural designer. If none of these sources clearly covers the opening being framed, stop work and obtain direction before cutting any header material.
FR-055 – FR-060
Fabrication / Installation / Load-Path Verification
Structural Header Preparation and Installation
A. Finished-Project Specification
Scope: one or more completed structural headers, each installed at its scheduled opening with the specified material, ply count, bearing supports, connectors, and fastening, and each verified for elevation, level, bearing, ply contact, connector seating, and continuous load path.
B. Required Documentation Schedule
| Document | Source | Confirmation Required |
|---|---|---|
| Header schedule | Design professional / plan set | Current revision; entry identified for each opening being framed |
| Prescriptive span table (where used) | Adopted code | Table row matches the exact span, load condition, and jurisdiction |
| Engineered product span table (where used) | Manufacturer / product literature | Table matches the specific product, span, and load condition |
| Connector and fastening schedule | Design professional / manufacturer | Matches the specified header-to-stud and hold-down connections |
| Rough-opening framing record | Project 09 documentation | King stud, jack stud, and opening dimensions confirmed complete |
C. Fabrication and Installation Materials
- Header stock: solid-sawn, built-up, LVL, glulam, steel, or other material exactly as specified in the header schedule for each scheduled opening.
- Spacers and filler panels: only the type and thickness specified for multi-ply built-up headers; do not substitute an unspecified filler thickness.
- Jack studs, king studs, and posts: matching the species, grade, and size specified for the wall system and scheduled bearing condition.
- Fasteners and connectors: the exact type, diameter or gauge, length, and pattern specified in the connector and fastening schedule for each ply connection, header-to-stud connection, and hold-down or strap connection.
- Documentation: one header/installation record per header, listing schedule reference, material, dimensions, connectors, and inspection results.
D. Acceptance Standards
| Check | Standard |
|---|---|
| Header material and ply count | Matches the approved header schedule entry for the specific opening; any discrepancy is logged and referred, not resolved in the field |
| Bearing length at each end | Meets or exceeds the bearing length stated on the approved schedule, with full contact between header and jack stud/post |
| Header elevation and level | Matches the plan-specified rough-opening height and reads level within the tolerance stated on the approved plan or design professional's direction |
| Ply contact and fastening | All plies of a built-up header are in full face contact with no gaps, fastened in the pattern specified on the approved schedule |
| Connector installation | Straps, hangers, hold-downs, and other connectors installed with listed fasteners in the manufacturer's specified pattern and orientation |
| Load path continuity | Continuous, unobstructed bearing confirmed from the header through the jack studs/posts to the foundation, beam, or approved structure below |
E. Documentation Review and Material Verification (Steps 1–5)
- Review the structural header schedule, opening location, span, load condition, material type, ply count, depth, bearing, fastening, and connector details. Confirm the schedule entry that applies to the specific opening being framed before proceeding.
- Confirm that header sizing comes from approved plans, prescriptive code provisions, engineered tables, or a qualified designer. Record the source and reference used for the sizing decision on the header/installation record.
- Identify solid-sawn, built-up, laminated veneer lumber, glulam, steel, or other header material and its handling restrictions. Confirm any manufacturer-stated storage, handling, or moisture-exposure limits before staging the material.
- Inspect each header component for correct identification, grade, dimensions, damage, moisture condition, and orientation. Quarantine and log any component that fails inspection before it is used.
- Verify the actual rough-opening width and required bearing before cutting. Measure the field-built opening from Project 09 and compare it with the header schedule's length and bearing requirements.
F. Header Preparation and Assembly (Steps 6–8)
- Mark solid-sawn members from a defined reference end; do not field-cut engineered members outside manufacturer allowances. Use a framing square to mark the cut line square to the reference edge before cutting.
- Prepare approved spacers, insulation, filler panels, or built-up header plies. Cut spacer material to the exact thickness and pattern specified for the header assembly.
- Assemble multi-ply headers on a flat surface using the approved fastener pattern and orientation. Clamp plies together before fastening and verify full face contact along the entire length before driving fasteners.
G. Bearing Support and Header Lift (Steps 9–13)
- Install required jack studs, posts, bearing blocks, or column assemblies before lifting the header. Confirm each support is plumb, at the correct height, and fastened to the bottom plate before the header is set on it.
- Verify that supporting members transfer load to the foundation, beam, or approved structure below. Trace the load path from each jack stud or post down through the wall to its bearing point and confirm no gap or missing support exists.
- Plan the header lift and temporary support. Confirm worker count or mechanical assistance needed, and stage temporary support posts or T-braces before lifting begins.
- Lift and seat the header fully on each bearing support. Confirm full contact and the specified bearing length at each end before proceeding.
- Restrain the header against rotation and displacement. Install temporary support posts or T-braces immediately and confirm the header cannot shift before permanent fastening begins.
H. Fastening and Connection (Steps 14–16)
- Fasten the header to king studs, jack studs, straps, hangers, or other connectors according to the approved schedule. Install every fastener in the pattern, spacing, and orientation specified; do not substitute a different fastener type or reduce the specified quantity.
- Install upper cripples, blocking, rim, or framing required above the header. Confirm these members bear fully and are fastened per the wall schedule before removing temporary support.
- Complete hold-down, strap, portal-frame, or narrow-wall details where specified. Install each listed connector using its specified fasteners and confirm the connector engages both the header assembly and its supporting member.
I. Verification, Correction, and Documentation (Steps 17–21)
- Verify header elevation, level, bearing length, ply contact, fastener pattern, connector seating, and wall-face alignment. Compare each measurement against the Acceptance Standards table above.
- Inspect the load path above and below the header for missing or offset support. Confirm every bearing point in the path from roof or floor load to foundation or beam is complete and aligned.
- Stop work for damaged engineered members, inadequate bearing, field-altered headers, or unsupported concentrated loads. Log the condition and obtain direction from the design professional or manufacturer before continuing at that opening.
- Correct only deficiencies covered by the approved detail. Do not improvise a repair, substitute member, or added connector that is not shown in the approved documentation.
- Record header identification, material, span, bearing, fasteners, connectors, and inspection approval. Complete the header/installation record for each installed header before concealment or wall sheathing begins.
Common Verification Inspection
Inspect every completed header using the same checks regardless of material type or opening location.
- Material check: confirm header material, grade, and ply count match the approved header schedule entry for the specific opening.
- Bearing check: confirm full bearing contact and the specified bearing length at each header end.
- Assembly check: confirm all plies of a built-up header are in full face contact and fastened in the approved pattern with no gaps.
- Elevation and level check: confirm the header sits at the plan-specified elevation and reads level within the approved tolerance.
- Connector check: confirm every strap, hanger, hold-down, and connector is installed with listed fasteners in the specified pattern and orientation.
- Load-path check: confirm continuous, unobstructed bearing from the header through its supports to the foundation, beam, or approved structure below.
Complete the Header/Installation Record in the Inspection Checklist section below before wall sheathing or concealment begins.
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Failure Points and Troubleshooting
Cleanup
This project ends with one or more installed, fastened, and documented headers, ready for the wall to be closed, sheathed, and raised in Project 11.
- Remove offcuts, spacer scrap, and packaging from header material and connectors
- Store unused header stock, spacers, and connectors protected from moisture and damage for use at remaining scheduled openings
- Confirm all temporary support posts or T-braces remain in place at each header until the header/installation record confirms permanent fastening is complete
- Store the completed header/installation records with the project's permanent documentation
- Communicate any open discrepancy or stop-work condition to the responsible design professional before Project 11 begins
Field Terms
- Header Schedule
- The approved document specifying header material, ply count, depth, length, bearing length, and fastening pattern for each scheduled opening.
- Bearing Length
- The horizontal length of header end resting directly on the jack stud, post, or bearing block below it.
- Ply
- One layer of a multi-ply built-up header, fastened face-to-face with the others to form the finished member.
- King Stud
- The full-height stud at each side of a rough opening, extending from the bottom plate to the top plate.
- Jack Stud (Trimmer Stud)
- The stud that extends from the bottom plate to the underside of the header, providing direct bearing for the header end.
- Load Path
- The continuous structural route through which a load travels from above the header down to the foundation or beam below.
- Prescriptive Table
- An adopted code table specifying allowable header sizes for defined spans and load conditions.
- Engineered Span Table
- A manufacturer-published table specifying allowable spans for a specific engineered header product.
- Hold-Down
- A connector that resists uplift or overturning forces at a specified location, installed per manufacturer instructions.
- Header/Installation Record
- The document recording header identification, material, dimensions, connectors, fasteners, and inspection results for each installed header.
Skill Check
- What sources are authorized to determine header size, material, and ply count for a given opening?
- Why must the actual rough-opening width be verified in the field before a header is cut, even when the plan states a dimension?
- What must be true of a multi-ply header's plies before they are fastened together?
- What must be installed and verified beneath each header end before the header is lifted into position?
- Why must temporary support be installed immediately after a header is seated, before it is released by the lifting crew?
- What conditions require the learner to stop work when installing a structural header?
- Why can two openings of the same rough width require different header sizes?
- What does "load path continuity" mean in the context of a header, and how is it verified?
- What restrictions apply to field-cutting or drilling an engineered header such as an LVL or glulam member?
- What information must be recorded on the header/installation record before wall sheathing begins?
Competency Rubric
| Competency | Independent Pass Standard | Not Demonstrated | With Assistance | Independently |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR-055 | Selects header material from the approved header schedule, prescriptive table, engineered table, or qualified designer, and correctly identifies its handling restrictions | |||
| FR-056 | Assembles multi-ply, solid-sawn, or engineered headers correctly to the approved fastener pattern, spacer requirements, and orientation | |||
| FR-057 | Installs jack studs, posts, bearing blocks, or column assemblies that provide the specified bearing beneath each header end | |||
| FR-058 | Fastens the header to king studs, jack studs, straps, hangers, or other connectors correctly according to the approved connection schedule | |||
| FR-059 | Verifies that the header's load path transfers continuously to the foundation, beam, or approved structure below, with no missing or offset support | |||
| FR-060 | Inspects the completed header installation for elevation, level, bearing length, ply contact, fastener pattern, connector seating, and wall-face alignment, and documents the results completely |
Mark one column per competency. Only Demonstrated Independently awards the competency; Demonstrated with Assistance authorizes additional supervised practice but does not complete the requirement.
Inspection Checklist — Header/Installation Record
| Check | Plan Value / Requirement | Field Value | Within Tolerance (Y/N) | Correction (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Header material and ply count | Per header schedule | |||
| Header length | ||||
| Bearing length — left end | ||||
| Bearing length — right end | ||||
| Header elevation | ||||
| Header level | Within approved tolerance | |||
| Ply contact / fastening | Full contact, per fastener schedule | |||
| Connector installation | Per connector schedule | |||
| Load path — above header | Continuous, no gaps | |||
| Load path — below header | Continuous, no gaps |
Open discrepancies attached: ____________ Responsible authority for each: ____________
Header installation approved: ______ (Pass/Fail) Date: ____________ Builder name: ____________
Performance Check
With material selection, assembly, bearing-support installation, header lift, fastening, and load-path verification complete, review the finished header against the Acceptance Standards table and confirm the header material and ply count match the approved schedule, bearing length and contact are correct at both ends, the header reads level within tolerance, all connectors are installed with listed fasteners in the specified pattern, and the load path is continuous from the header to the foundation, beam, or approved structure below. Complete and sign the header/installation record for each header before wall sheathing begins in Project 12. If a discrepancy remains open, identify the responsible authority and required decision before proceeding.
Project Closeout
You have completed the tenth project in the residential framing sequence: installing structural headers. This project required you to select header material from the approved schedule, prescriptive table, engineered table, or qualified designer (FR-055), assemble multi-ply, solid-sawn, or engineered headers correctly (FR-056), install jack studs, posts, or bearing blocks that provide the specified bearing (FR-057), fasten the header to king studs, jack studs, and connectors per the approved schedule (FR-058), verify the header's continuous load path to the structure below (FR-059), and inspect and document the completed installation (FR-060).
You now have one or more installed structural headers with a verified, documented load path from roof or floor load down to the foundation or beam below. That completed opening framing carries directly into the next project: raising, plumbing, bracing, and aligning the wall sections that contain these headers.
Protect the installed headers and their temporary support until the wall is raised and permanently braced. Do not remove temporary support from a header until its installation record confirms permanent fastening and bearing are complete.