a. Headers. Use 2 by 4 or 2 by 6 lumber to make a header. Double the header when this size of lumber is used. The size and the amount of lumber to be used in a header is determined by the width of the opening and the bearing load.

b. Subsill. When making a window opening, install a header over the window in the same way you would install a header over the door. A subsill must be framed between the trimmers and the cripples. The subsill can be either single or double. When doubled, nail the bottom piece to the outside studs at the proper height. Then nail the top piece of the sill to the bottom section (see Figure 2-4 ).

c. Cripples. Place the cripple or jack studs under and over the window and over door openings (see Figure 2-5 ). Cripples are placed at the same intervals as the ordinary studs and are installed after the openings are framed. These serve the same purpose as studs in the rest of the wall.