Opinion on installing larger sliding door

[ray66v]

You always double the studs on each side of an opening. This is to provide strength and stability. A single stud could warp or twist, where as a pair of studs will help keep each other in check. Just duplicate the way your builder framed the jack studs to the header.

 

[davitk]

A 6' opening requires 2 jacks on each side to transfer the load. Another code requirement

Here's a discussion from a building inspector's point of view:

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=157649&page=1

Simpson Strongtie has a bracket designed for remodeling or space restricted applications that can eliminate the the need for jack studs altogether, I have not used one but it might save you some grief.

http://www.strongtie.com/

 

[davitk]

so long as we're doing links, here's a link to that header hanger:

http://www.strongtie.com/ftp/catalogs/C-2008/C-2008-p159.pdf

 

[RichT]

Update: I opened up the wallboard a bit to get a better look at the right side. The stud I planned to use as the king stud for the opening is only 2" from a stud adjacent to the 4x4 post supporting the ceiling beam (see pic).

An alternative would be to remove this stud and extend the header a couple inches to the stud adjacent to the post. Use one jack stud on each end plus the strongtie header bracket suggested by davitk to maximize the opening yet retain sufficient header support.

I spoke to the lumber yard today. They recommended Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL) for the header as it is specifically designed for this purpose and comes in the 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 size I need. The LSL only comes in 1 3/4" widths, so I'd have to join 2 of them together. Most of the web reports I see on LVL vs LSL suggest LVL is much superior in strength.