How to Frame a Door Opening Into an Existing Stud Wall

Framing a door opening into an existing wall is simple carpentry.  The key to the project is knowing what will be affected when the opening is cut into the wall.

Tools Required for Door Framing:

• skill saw or equivalent
• hand level
• jigsaw or reciprocating saw
• power drill
• hacksaw
• carpenter's hammer
• panel saw or power mitre saw
• framing square
• wood drill bits
• chalk line
• hand saw
• a set of screwdrivers
• multi screw bits
• shims/wedges
• silicone/silcone gun

Before Beginning to Frame a Door

It is crucial to know if there are wiring and plumbing fixtures in the wall, and if those fixtures will be re-routed. If the wall is load-bearing, know what part of the wall will be cut and what type of load-bearing beam to use. Decide on what framing materials use, what size the door frame will be, how much framing has to be done, and whether it is a right- or left-hand door.

To begin the project, one must know the rough opening of the actual door size.  If the factory door is 36 inches wide and 80 inches high, the rough opening should be at least 2-2 1/2 inches wider and taller.  For interior door framing, a 2-inch rule of thumb for width and height may be sufficient, but for a rough opening that leads to the exterior, a rough opening of 2 1/2 inches is required if a door sill is incorporated into the bottom of the door jamb. 

Marking and Cutting the Rough Opening

Check the  door instructions and rough opening measurements before cutting the wall opening.  The door jamb width for a 2" x 4"  stud wall is 5 1/2" wide, and for a 2" x 6" stud wall, the door jamb width is 6 1/2".  Once the rough opening is framed and resheeted, it is a real task to remove or redo the framing.

For an interior door opening with no bearing walls, mark the rough opening measurements at the desired location on the wall, first using a 30" or 48" hand level  to plumb the vertical and horizontal lines.  If the wall sheeting is gypsum board, (gyprock) use an Olfa utility knife or gyprock saw to cut through it.  (A hole can drilled at the inside corner of the rough opening measurement for easy use with a jigsaw.  Use the tip of the gyprock saw blade to puncture through the sheeting as a starter prior to cutting.)

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