How to Build a Finished Header for a Doorway Post & Lintel

The post and lintel system is the oldest method of doorway construction, used throughout history, from the construction of such ancient monuments as Stonehenge to present day. A lintel is simply a horizontal beam resting on two upright posts, creating a door frame. Lintels in modern wood-framed buildings are called headers, while the posts are known as jack studs. Properly building the header for a post and lintel doorway frame is vitally important to ensure the structural stability of the house.

Measuring tape
2-by-4 lumber
1/2-inch lumber
Drill
Screws
Mallet

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the distance between the outside edges of your jack studs. Cut two 2-by-4s to this length. Cut a piece of 1/2-inch plywood to the width and length of the 2-by-4s and sandwich it between them. Screw the three pieces of wood securely together for your header.
- 2
  Set the sandwiched boards horizontally on top of the jack studs in such a way that one 2-by-4 faces outside and the other faces in. Use a mallet to push the header into place if necessary. Toenail the jack studs to the header, driving screws up diagonally through the two pieces of wood. Toenail the king studs on either side to the header as well.
- 3
  Measure the distance between the header and the wall-top plate. Cut two 2-by-4s to this length. Insert them vertically between the header and the wall-top plate to serve as cripple studs. Toenail them to the beams both above and below.

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