When the rough opening in an outside wall is between 8' -0" and 10' -0" wide, what material is typically used for the header?

When the rough opening in an outside wall is between 8' -0" and 10' -0" wide, a 2 x 10 is typically used for the header due to its structural capabilities. The header serves as a critical support element, distributing the load from the framing above the opening down to the sides of the wall.

A 2 x 10, with its larger dimension, provides the necessary strength to span these wider openings while also accommodating any additional loads from above, such as roof structures or upper floors. The size of the header must be sufficient to resist bending and deflection forces, ensuring that the overall integrity of the structure is maintained.

While a 2 x 8 may be adequate for smaller openings, it generally does not possess the same strength to handle the loads typically associated with larger openings. A 2 x 6 is usually too small for anything above a standard window size and would not provide the necessary support for larger rough openings. A 2 x 12, while it offers greater strength, is often not required for this size of opening and could be over-engineered, leading to unnecessary costs and material usage.

Overall, using a 2 x 10 as the header in this context balances the