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June 26, 2009
Installing Doors
Can anyone tell me how hard it is to install door jambs, and if there is a good tutorial anywhere? The home improvement book only explains how to install pre-hung doors.
I have reasonably good woodworking skills, but if this is something better left to a professional, is there a rule of thumb for calculating the rough framing, based on the size of the door you are going to install? I would like to at least get the rough framing done.
Comments
Rough opening should be: Door Width + Casing widths (usually 3/4" on each side + about 3/8" for door clearance (about an 1/8" on each side)
Generally the rough opening is ofntimes slightly larger and the 3/4" finish casing is shimmed out to the opening of the door + 1/8" on each side.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 4:15 PM
In addition to Dave's summary, maybe these three links will help as guide, but
not gospel (note that the TOH link has several pages, click on "next"):
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,1207944,00.html
http://www.encyclopediaofhomeimprovements.com/installdoor.html
http://www.easy2diy.com/cm/easy/diy_ht_3d_index.asp?page_id=35751009
You'll need shims for both framing and casing. Make sure to check your casing carefully at the lumber yard. Pieces from different ends of the run won't always match at the miter.
Posted by: vinca at June 26, 2009 5:01 PM
Add at least 2" to the width of the door assuming the jamb is 3/4" thick and your framing is good. Remember it is much easier to shim an opening to make it smaller than to make it larger. Doors and jambs are demanding for beginners but doable if you have skills and patience. They must be exactly plumb in all directions, flat and square. I suggest you do one complete door start to finish before you install multiple jambs and find you have problems. Go here http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuilding/ get a free membership and do search for door jambs.
Posted by: edifice rex at June 26, 2009 5:36 PM
PS Casing is the molding or trim surrounding a door frame. The frame that the hinges and door stop attach to is a jamb.
Posted by: edifice rex at June 26, 2009 5:39 PM
the big deal with framing blanks is to make sure that you are both square and plumb...a level will will only get you so far...once you install the jamb and mortise out for the hinges on both the jamb and the door, be prepared to make adjustments, since the thing that you should aim for is an even reveal around all sides of the door...after that you can nail on the trim
Posted by: eman1234 at June 26, 2009 6:55 PM
Thanks everyone for your help - way better than my book!
Posted by: zil at June 26, 2009 7:54 PM
+2" width, +1" height
Posted by: southslope at June 26, 2009 7:58 PM
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