It takes a lot of experience to build safe home structures. You wouldn’t try to frame your home without any experience, so why would you take a chance on your garage door frame? It’s not worth the headache, injury, or property damage from a DIY attempt gone wrong.

Precision Garage Door Service® has provided expert garage door services for over 25 years. We’ve helped thousands of customers frame and install garage doors that boost curb appeal. Learn about our process for framing garage doors and what you can expect during this service, whether you’re doing a full exterior remodel or starting from scratch.

The first step a professional will take to start framing a garage door is to take the proper measurements. Depending on your home and the type of garage door, the height and width can vary. For example, roll-up garage doors are more forgiving because it’s easier to change the height compared to other styles if the framing isn’t exactly right.

When measuring, the professional will ensure they have the correct size lumber and space to properly frame the garage door:

Garage door rough opening measurements:

• Minimum clearance height above the door opening is 1 foot.
• Head frame requires garage door width, plus 9 inches.
• Minimum frame depth is 4 inches.
• Opening is garage door width, plus 3 inches.
• Opening is garage door height, plus one 1 ½ inches.

Garage door finished frame measurements:

• Head frame extends a minimum of 1 foot above the head jamb.
• Head frame is 9 inches wider than the head jamb.
• Minimum frame depth is 4 inches.
• Garage door opening width is approximately 3 inches narrower than the garage door.
• Garage door opening is approximately 1 inch shorter than the garage door.

For example, a 9x7 garage door rough opening should be 9 feet 9 inches wide and 7 feet 3 inches tall. The finished frame opening should be 8 feet 9 inches wide and 6 feet 11 inches tall.

The service professional will work from the top down while framing the garage door to ensure the entire frame is flush and aligned for a smooth garage door installation.

The head jamb is the piece of lumber that runs along the top of the garage door opening, supporting the side posts, head frame, and center frame. After the professional nails the head jamb to the king stud, which is the existing stud in the home’s frame, they might nail another smaller slab of lumber in the middle called the center frame. This forms an upside-down “T” shape. Some professionals do this step after installing the side posts.

The next step for completing a garage door frame is to construct the side posts, also called goal posts or trimmers. These posts extend beyond the head jamb, forming an “H.”

The service professional will nail the side posts into the head jamb and along the rough frame so they’re completely secure. If the professional hasn’t already added the center frame for the opener, they will do it during this step.

The top of the door frame should now form a sideways “E” shape, known as the head frame. The garage door opener and springs attach to the head frame.

After the side posts are installed, the professional will install the side jambs, which add support for the interior posts and head frame. They’re nailed into the interior posts and rough frame. If you were to take an aerial view of the interior posts and side jambs, they would form an “L” shape.

When they’re installed, the opening should be slightly narrower than the garage door, which will help insulate the door. If it’s slightly too wide, you can usually add insulating strips to the edges of the door to close any gaps.

Finally, the professional will reinforce and strengthen the center frame with brackets. These are metal pieces nailed into the corners to help stabilize the frame so it can support the garage door and opener.

The service professional can then begin the garage door installation process.

The number one consideration for any home improvement project should always be safety. DIY garage door framing gone wrong can lead to a collapsed garage door or even damage the building’s structural integrity.

Precision Garage Door Service professionals are garage door experts you can rely on. Don’t endanger your family or property. Hire a professional to frame your garage door for reliable construction that lasts. We offer:

• Precise measurements
• Quality materials
• Expert installation
• Proper construction
• Warranty and support
• Compliance with local codes and regulations
• Plus, we’re backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™

If you’ve done some research on how to frame a garage door, you’ve likely discovered that the process is more complicated than you’d think. Leave it to a professional to ensure your door is framed properly and avoid damaging the structural integrity of your home or business.

At Precision Garage Door Service, we can help with everything you need, from building a sturdy frame to replacing your garage door with one that suits your style.

Schedule service today with Precision Garage Door Service for expert garage door repair and installation.

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This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Precision Garage Door Service is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Precision Garage Door Service location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.

As a garage door service, repair, and installation leader renowned for integrity and dependability, all independently owned and operated Precision Garage Door Service locations are committed to safety, quality workmanship, and your satisfaction. This commitment includes using our expertise and years of experience to answer your garage door-related questions.

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about garage door framing.