A steel beam properly sized for the header might give you the most room for the door in comparison to wood.

Speaking of how the door opens.. I have about a 9.5' tall doorway and an 18' ceiling, had the door installed so it runs up the wall and turns at the ceiling, gives plenty of inside height even with door open. Here's a picture you can just see the track in the corner. https://picasaweb.google.com/118082...sionProgressPictures#5795541210979156226

Grigg

•1951 GMC 250 in the Project Journals
•1948 Chevrolet 6400 - Detroit Diesel 4-53T - Roadranger 10 speed overdrive - 4 wheel disc brakes
•1952 Chevrolet 3800 pickup
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"First, get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish, and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it..." -Henry Maudslay-