scott.alex•13d agoProlific Poster

Had to pick between a 2x4 and a 2x6 for a shed header and went with the bigger one

I was framing the door for my backyard shed (the one in Spokane) and the plans said a 2x4 header was okay for the 4-foot opening. But I kept thinking about all the snow we get, you know? So I spent the extra $12 and used a 2x6 instead. It felt like overkill at the time, but after last week's heavy wet snow, I'm really glad I did. Anyone else ever go against the plans for a bit more peace of mind?

3 comments

3 Comments

wade_dixon13d ago

Ever notice how the right call often feels like overkill until you need it? @hannahj49 is right about the plywood, but that extra wood is like buying good insurance. You just sleep better knowing it's there.

hannahj4913d ago

Good call thinking about the snow load. Actually, a 2x6 on its own isn't much stronger for bending than a 2x4, it's the plywood in between that makes the real header. But the extra height sure doesn't hurt for nailing, right?

ruby_bell4713d ago

Yeah that point about the plywood being the real hero is so true. I built a shed header last fall just like @hannahj49 described, with 2x6s and half-inch ply in the middle. When we got that heavy wet snow in January, I was really glad for that sandwich. It didn't budge at all. The extra nail space was a bonus for sure, made hanging the door way easier.