Replies

1. 
   blue_eyed_devil | May 05, 2005 06:28pm | #1

   I use a 2x4 on the flat. On 3' openings, I put two cripples in spaced about 12" apart. I don't put any on the ends.

   blue

   Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!

   Warning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. There are some in here who think I'm a hackmeister...they might be right! Of course, they might be wrong too!

1. 
   bhackford | May 06, 2005 03:57am | #3

   What about a 9' opening? Would you just use a 2x8 flat? Do you use the 2x4 flat even with a 2'8" door opening? Thanks

1. 
   blue_eyed_devil | May 06, 2005 07:06pm | #4

   A nine foot non bearing opening is still just a non bearing opening. I use a 2x4 on the flat and put the cripples on 16'' oc.

   blue 

1. 
   bhackford | May 07, 2005 05:24am | #7

   Here is a question about load vs. non load walls. I have a wall that runs parallel to the floor joist and the wood Is are doubled under it and has doubled wood Is above. But this wall has no supports in the basement and does not support the roof. Is this wall a load or non load wall? My answer was a non load wall. What is your opinion. Thanks

1. 
   Frankie | May 07, 2005 03:15pm | #12

   My OPINION is it is a non-load bearing wall. The doubled joists below are to accept the load of the wall itself. Don't know about the doubled joists above. It's either of two things: a) The was a wall above before or b) rather than nail a series of blocks 16" o.c., the builder decided it was cheaper/ faster to just double the joist to serve as the nailer.Hey, but you know what they say about opinions!Frankie

2. 
   Jay345 | May 06, 2005 10:14pm | #5

   If the trim is going to be 3 1/2" then you'd best make that a double 2x4 on the flat. I have seen sagging problems with 2x4 on the flat headers, so it might be just as well to give the trim guy a break and do it right; that is a double 2x4 on the vertical with 1/2' plywood in the middle.

1. 
   jonblakemore | May 07, 2005 05:57am | #10

   >>>>"I have seen sagging problems with 2x4 on the flat headers"If you have a 2x4 sagging then the cripples were not nailed properly.Once the DW is up then it would nearly impossible for a sag to occur. 

   Jon Blakemore

1. 
   Jay345 | May 07, 2005 02:25pm | #11

   You are right. Things don't always get nailed properly, DW sometimes does'nt get screwed properly, the 2x4 on the flat header may have gotten cut from twisted scrap. the remedy for worst case scenarios is proper technique.

2. 
   gdavis62 | May 05, 2005 06:30pm | #2

   I'm with Blue on that one.  Plenty of nailing for trim with just one flat and some crips.

3. 
   Piffin | May 07, 2005 03:38am | #6

   Non- Load bearing is still non-load bearing, doesn't need a header, just a plate for nailing. We usually do a double plate with the cripple studs, so we have nailing for wider trims

    

    

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1. 
   bhackford | May 07, 2005 05:25am | #8

   You even do this above interior doors?

1. 
   Piffin | May 07, 2005 05:51am | #9

   Our casings run 3.5" to 5.25". They need nailing backers. Labor-wise, it is cheaper to double that plate than to search for cripples when trimming. besides, whatcha gonna do with all the crap lumber that you cull out to get straight stud stock? 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!