Hey everyone! I'm looking for some advice. I'm creating a 7.5-foot opening in my family room wall for a sliding door to access the backyard, and I want to ensure it's done right since our bedroom is directly above this opening. The design is all set, approved by an architect and a structural engineer, and they specified a 4x12 wood header for support. I came across information suggesting that PSL (Parallel Strand Lumber) headers are stronger and less prone to sagging compared to traditional wood. My general contractor feels that a wood header is sufficient and that if the engineer thought a PSL was necessary, they would have recommended it. However, I'm wondering if I'm being overly cautious by considering the PSL. Would a wood header be safe enough in this case?
3 Answers
It really comes down to your design preferences. Both the wood and PSL headers will do the job. A 7.5-foot opening is pretty standard these days, and sagging shouldn't really be a concern with either option. If it were a much larger span, like 30 feet, then yeah, I'd say go for the PSL. But in your situation, either choice should work fine without issue.
Don’t forget to consider cost! Engineered lumber like PSL typically costs more. If the dimensional lumber your engineer specified is sized correctly, it should meet your load requirements without any unnecessary expenses. It's important to keep costs in mind, but in this situation, your builder isn’t skimping on quality.
If you really want a PSL header, you could have your engineer adjust the plans accordingly, but keep in mind that your inspector might not approve changes without proper papers. Just stick to the original plans since you're working with professionals. Asking Reddit for advice can be helpful, but remember, your engineer has the experience and credentials to guide you best.