I want to cut a 16′ wide opening in my exposed, hollow block foundation wall to make a walkout basement. What size and type of header should i use.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
The FHB Podcast crew offers advice on re-insulating the south wall of an old Pittsburgh mill home.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Fine Home Building
Follow
-
Fine Homebuilding
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial Now -
GBA Prime
Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
It all depends what is above, (meaning what needs to be held up by the header)
Also will depend on how many columns or other supports you will use under the header.
How much is the snow load where you live?
How many stories? (how many floors are supported above?)
How long are the floor joists in each floor?
And of course, how much vertical room do you have for a header?
What is the height of the basement ceiling above the floor?
Not to mention, you might need a permit for this job which could require more than a copy of a post from the internet.