How to Build an Egress Window Header in a Floor Joist

When you cut the rough opening into a basement wall for a new egress window, pay attention to the wall's orientation to the ceiling joists. If the wall is perpendicular to the ceiling joists, you will need to install a header above the opening to help support the wall. A header is built from two 2-by-10-inch boards, so add 10 inches in height to the rough opening's dimensions.

Tape measure
2-by-10-inch boards
Carpenter's square
Circular saw
Hammer
3-inch nails
3-inch screws
Drill
Phillips driving bit

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the rough opening's width, and transfer that measurement to two 2-by-10-inch boards. Draw a straight line across each board using a carpenter's square as a straight edge.
- 2
  Cut each 2-by-10 board along the line with a circular saw. Hold the two boards flat together, with their ends aligned.
- 3
  Hammer 3-inch nails through the boards to hold them together. Place the header in the opening and press its top edge tight against the ceiling joists.
- 4
  Use a drill and Phillips driving bit to drive 3-inch screws through the header and into each ceiling joist to hold the header in place.

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