Garage Door Framing
How to Frame a garage door:
Some of the few common questions we get asked are...
How should I frame my garage door opening?
You should frame the door opening 2-3 inches under the actual door width. The height should be 1 inches under the actual door height.
What is the best way to frame a garage door?
The best option is to frame the opening with 2x6 door bucks running from floor to ceiling on both jambs, a 2x6 running horizontally accross the bottom of the header, and one 2x6 in the center of the header running up to the ceiling.
How much should the door overlap on either side of the jamb?
Most residential wood framing should have the door opening 2-3 inches under the actual door width.
Should I frame my garage door opening exact size or under?
Residential applications usually require openings to be 2-3 inches under the actual door width. For commercial or steel buildings they tend to make the garage doors oversized, i.e. 16'2" instead of the typical 16 door. In this case the openings need to be framed exact, i.e. 16x14.
How to frame a garage door opening :
Before starting on the installation of a new garage door, it's crucial to ensure accurate framing is done before the door is installed. Whether replacing an existing garage door or installing a new one, proper framing is essential. Note: This guide focuses solely on preparing the wall for mounting garage doors and openers, not on constructing the actual wall itself.
Begin by familiarizing yourself with the required measurements for the garage door. This step ensures accurate pricing, purchasing, and installation. For detailed information on necessary measurements, please reach out to us or refer to our guide on how to measure a garage door. Once you've confirmed your measurements, proceed with framing the garage door opening.
Garage Door Opening Size:
For most residential garage doors, the rough opening should be 2-3 inches under the the garage door itself. For instance, if your garage door is 16 feet wide, the rough opening should be about 15' 9" inches. Additionally, the rough opening height should be frame to the garage door height or slighlty under the door. So if you have a 8 foot tall door, frame it to 7 foot 11 inches.
Door Wraps (also known as door bucks):
Initiate the back framing process by lining the inside vertical jambs with wood to secure the track. Typically, this involves fastening 2×6 boards at the edges of the opening, extending from the floor to the height where the hardware will be mounted—often up to the ceiling for a cleaner look.
Subsequently, install a horizontal 2×4 along the top jamb between the two 2×6 boards to "flush out" the garage door opening. This will be on the bottom of the header. This horizontal piece serves the sole purpose of closing off the opening and spacing out the wall to match the two vertical 2x6 studs that are mounted on the jambs.
Lastly, secure the center pad—a vertical piece of 2×6—firmly in the middle of the header. This piece extends from the top of the previously installed horizontal 2×4 up to the ceiling. Proper fastening is crucial as this 2x6 supports the springs, manages their torque, and serves as a point for attaching the opener. In some instances, this piece may not be centered, so it's advisable to consult with a local garage door dealer for clarification. Ensure all framing components are "flush" with each other to facilitate proper functioning of the track, hardware, and door seals. On larger doors for example a 16x10 or larger you may actually need a total of 3 center pads spaced evenly between the two jambs to create more mounting points when the door manufacture calls for more than two springs to be installed. These larger doors will have a total of four springs.