A header is a __________ placed wooden framing member that is made to support the load when an opening is made in a load-bearing wall.

A header is a horizontal framing member that is installed above an opening, such as a door or window, in a load-bearing wall. It is crucial for transferring the load from above the opening down to the vertical studs that flank the sides of the opening. This horizontal placement is essential because it allows the header to effectively bear the weight from the structure above, distributing the load evenly to prevent sagging or structural failure over time.

The other potential orientations, such as diagonal or vertical placements, would not effectively support the load in the context of a header. A diagonally placed member would typically be used for bracing rather than for directly supporting loads above an opening. Similarly, a vertical member would not serve to span across an opening; instead, vertical framing elements are typically identified as studs or columns, which hold weight but do not bridge openings. Perpendicular placement, in this context, does not accurately describe the function or orientation of a header either. Thus, the horizontal positioning is the appropriate choice for understanding how a header functions within a wall system.