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…
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.
+2″ width, +1″ height
Thanks everyone for your help – way better than my book!
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
PS Casing is the molding or trim surrounding a door frame. The frame that the hinges and door stop attach to is a jamb.
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.
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.
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.