How to Build a Lintel

Measure the width of the opening for which you are building a lintel. Add 12 inches to this measurement to get the length of your lintel.

Cut two pieces of dimensioned lumber to the length you determined in step 1. For doors and windows that are 36 inches wide or less, you can use 2-by-8s. For anything wider than 72 inches, use 2-by-12s.

Lay the two boards together so one is on top of the other and their edges are aligned. Pound three nails into the face of the top board, 2 inches from the end of the board, using a hammer. Measure 12 inches down the board and pound in another three nails. Then continue down the board, pounding in one row of three nails at each 12-inch interval.

Turn the boards over and pound in three nails 8 inches from the end of the board. Doing this places these nails equally distant from two rows of nails that are nailed into the other side. Measure 12 inches down the board from this row of nails and continue adding rows of three nails, each separated by 12 inches. The result is a lintel that is nailed every 6 inches, from alternating sides.

Install the lintel by placing it between the king studs and on top of the cripple studs over the opening. The king studs are the full-length studs that the lintel butts up against. The cripple studs are next to the king studs, and go as high as the top of the opening with the lintel sitting on top of them.