When to Use a 4″ Head on Your Door Frame

In commercial construction, small details in frame design can make a big difference during installation. One example is knowing when to use a 4″ head on your hollow metal door frame.

When installing a 7’0″ door, using a standard 2″ face head can create a gap between the top of the door frame and the next course of block. This gap happens because each block course measures 8″ in height (7 ⅝” for the block plus ⅜” for mortar). To bridge this gap, contractors often resort to a modified or “notched” lintel that can add cost and time.

By choosing a 4″ head, the door frame aligns perfectly with the block courses. This allows the lintel, a horizontal structural element designed to support the weight of the wall above the opening, to sit directly on top of the frame without requiring modification.

This simple adjustment ensures a cleaner installation and helps avoid extra field labor or custom lintel fabrication.

Key takeaway: When specifying frames for 7’0″ doors in block walls, opting for a 4″ head saves time and fits the layout perfectly.