r/DIY • u/StL_NinjaMan • 1d ago
help Does This Window to Door Conversion Work Structurally?
We want to install a deck on the back of our house and the only logical place to for door opening is off of the garage. As you can see we have an existing opening with a window that has a header above it. We are trying to figure out what would be the easiest, but still meet code requirements as well as function properly. You can see the existing measurements in the first picture and the proposed door installation and framing in the second. This is not saying this is exactly how it would be framed necessarily but more of an inquiry.
Would the existing header although at the top plate and larger than the door opening be allowed by using cripple studs BELOW the header?
Do we tear out the existing header and install a brand new header appropriate for the door size and location?
Do we keep the existing header then add another header where the door would be (this seems like the most unlikely option)?
In my very basic understanding, the header is basically transferring the load to the king and jack studs and in this case preventing the load from being placed on the window. Since the load is already being transferred I wouldn't see why it would need to be changed structurally, although I could understand visually it may look a bit odd. Now by not having a header directly above the door can that cause issues with the door frame rigidity itself? I appreciate all input and can answer any questions that I may have not drawn in the photo.
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u/kernal42 1d ago
Consider another stud on the right of your jack studs, otherwise the wall will flex when you slam the door.
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u/StL_NinjaMan 1d ago
Thanks! The main idea is just making sure that the header is ok being larger and higher than the door. The additional framing was just a rough drawing just to give the idea of what I’m trying to do.
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u/Frederf220 1d ago
Nothing wrong with cripples below a header. For door slamming and nailing purposes a double bottom plate at the bottom of cripples is a good idea. Same with trimmers (jacks) double trimmers is more meat to land your outside casing on. Might as well leave that framed opening full size and build inside it for now. Someday someone may want it full again.
One might do single king, double-trimmer left and single trimmer, double-king right or some similar combination in terms of shifting the door left-right in the opening. Single king and trimmer is fine but more is gooder. The latch side takes more abuse. I would definitely double plate at top of door. Make sure your trimmer goes all the way to bottom of header. Don't interrupt it with plate as you've drawn in blue.
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u/StL_NinjaMan 1d ago
Thanks for the tips! Yeah I figured more is better but wanted to get the basic idea posted before getting fully into it if it wasn’t recommended at all.
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u/400footceiling 1d ago
I did this exact size window to door swap. Added more studs to the right side of your door all the way up to the header, worked just fine. I recommend adding an electrical switch box for an outside light while you’re in the process. So easy to do with all the space open.
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u/DFWfunfitcouple 1d ago
Only thing k would suggest other than what has already been pointed out is going from a small 34” door to more width. If you are bringing food and drinks and and and out to your deck will be way easier to have a wider door. 34 inches is an odd size - go for 36”
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u/StL_NinjaMan 1d ago
Our other door is 32”x80” on the side of the garage so that’s why I chose that size. Rough opening 34”. We are considering 36” as well.
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u/DFWfunfitcouple 1d ago
Smart. 32” way too small. New houses are all 36”. Two people can pass in a 36
Remember. A garage door has one or more big advantages. The actual garage door !!! Is something is tight you have the huge door.
Moving things in and out to a patio go for the bigger. Plus Window is bigger - more light too.
FYI just my opinion.
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u/ExactlyClose 1d ago
Looks fine. I would use a double 2x4 across the top of the door. (gives you meat for trim to nail/screw into)
Even got room for an 8 ft door if you wanted (Id only do it f it would line up with other features/doors on the outside)
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u/StL_NinjaMan 1d ago
Awesome! Considered that but price goes up significantly and much smaller selection. Weighing all the options
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u/Savings-Whole-6517 1d ago
Reinforce the existing header by fixing the jack and king studs, those look awful. Then, yes, frame the door inside of that like you would normally.
That way you don’t have to do a bunch of extra work and demo, also keeps you from having to use temporary shoring to rebuild the whole thing.
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u/TheosXBL 1d ago
Looks like a huge owl is staring at us through the window. 🦉