The Ontario Building Code | Lintel Spans and Sizes
9.23.12.3. Lintel Spans and Sizes
(1) Spans and sizes of wood lintels shall conform to the spans shown in Tables A-12 to A-16,
(a) for buildingsof residential occupancy,
(b) where the wall studs exceed 38 mm by 64 mm in size,
(c) where the spans of supported joists do not exceed 4.9 m, and
(d) where the spans of trusses do not exceed 9.8 m.
(2) Inloadbearing exterior and interior walls of 38 mm by 64 mm framing members, lintels shall consist of,
(a) solid 64 mm thick members on edge, or
(b) 38 mm thick and 19 mm thick members fastened together with a double row of nails not less than 63 mm long and spaced not more than 450 mm apart.
(3) Lintels referred to in Sentence (2),
(a) shall be not less than 50 mm greater in depth than those shown in Tables A-12 to A-16 for the maximum spans shown, and
(b) shall not exceed 2.24 m in length.
9.23.13. Roof and ceiling Framing
In Plain Language
Lintels (headers) over wall openings must meet the span and sizing requirements set out in the referenced tables, ensuring adequate strength to carry the load above the opening.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.