Lengths of 4x4s or 2x4s, as needed
Measuring tape and pencil
Handsaw
Nails or screws, as needed
Hammer or screwdriver, as needed
Before you install a window, determine if the wall into which it's being installed is a load-bearing wall. If it is, you'll have to build a temporary structure--a header and two side posts--to support all the ceiling joists that will be affected during the framing process. Once the support has been set in place, you can begin framing the rough opening for the new window.
1.
Cut Pieces for the Temporary Support
For the header, cut one length of 4x4 to equal the width of the rough opening plus 4 feet; for the posts, cut two lengths of 4x4, each of which is 4 inches shorter than the ceiling to floor measurement. The posts must fit snugly between the floor and ceiling (Fig. 1). If using 2x4s (as shown in Figure 2), cut two headers and four posts and use nails or screws to hold the doubles to each other.
2.
Position the Temporary Support
Position the header no more than 24 inches away from the existing wall, in line with and about 24 inches past each side of the proposed window rough opening. Support one end of the header with a post while a helper holds the other end. Then set the other post in position. (Fig. 2)
