What is a stud sometimes, called a ceiling joist?
A stud or ceiling joist is a support beam used in construction to help carry the load of the structure itself. In residential applications studs are typically 2X4 wooden beams set on 16″ inch centers, but could also be made of metal or aluminum. As stated above studs are typically set on 16″ inch centers but could be set at 18″ inch or even 24″ inch centers in some situations.
Finding a stud for garage door opener installation:
In most new residential buildings, garages are prewired and framed for garage door opener installation. In these situations, finding the stud will be very easy. The studs will be framed out around a prewired electrical outlet in the ceiling. You will also have wiring preinstalled for the electronic safety eyes and the garage door opener wall button, and these wires should be protruding from the ceiling as well.
If you need to locate the stud in the ceiling, first do a visual inspection, many garages are not completely finished out and you will see seams in the drywall/sheetrock covering. The studs will be present at these seams. If you cannot see the seams you will need to use a stud finder to locate the studs in the ceiling. Stud finders are devices used to located studs hidden behind sheetrock and or plaster. There are multiple types of stud finders to choose from. To use the stud finder follow the directions for the stud finder you have. Stud finders can be purchased at your local hardware store like Home Depot or Lowes or even at Wal-Mart. Always use caution when using ladder to locate studs and installing garage door openers.
Framing around a garage door for the purpose of hanging garage door and garage door opener hardware:
Locating the framing around a garage door for the purpose of hanging garage door and garage door opener hardware should be very simple. At the top of the garage door opening will be a 2X12 header made of wood. This header supports the load of the opening for the garage door, and is the perfect location and strength to mount garage door and garage door opener hardware. On both sides of the garage door you will have as few as two 2X4’s to as many as four 2X4’s nailed together. These studs on either side of the garage door are easy to locate visually and serve to support the garage door opening. This is the perfect location to mount garage door and garage door opener hardware. If you need to verify the presence and or location of the header or side studs, You will need to use a stud finder following the instructions previously described for finding ceiling studs.
It has been my experience that studs in the ceiling and around the garage door are typically very easy to locate, especially on newer homes. On a few older homes 2X4’s had to be added in the ceiling to support the installation of garage door opener.
