How to Cut Out Around a Doorway When Installing Drywall

Interior doorways require special attention during drywall installation. Installing the drywall correctly entails keeping all seams away from the top of the door. Seams sitting on top of the door or at the corners of the door frame will crack under the strain of an opening and closing door. The one way to keep seams away from the top of a doorway involves covering the entire opening with drywall. Correctly cutting the door opening in the drywall after installation will ensure the drywall remains strong and seam-free.

Things You'll Need

• 1 1/2-inch drywall screws
• Screw gun
• Tip adapter, # 2Phillips
• Keyhole saw

Instructions

1. Inspect the area around the door opening. Ensure there are drywall screws installed on 16-inch centers. Add additional 1 1/2-inch drywall screws to ensure the drywall using a screw gun equipped with a number 2 Phillips tip adapter.

2. Set the tip of a keyhole saw in the center of the door opening. Push the saw toward the drywall while twisting the handle.

3. Cut toward one side of the door opening by using a sawing motion -- after you cut through the drywall. Rotate the saw 90 degrees and cut along a vertical stud of the door opening. Cut toward another vertical door opening stud and repeat the process.

4. Cut along the top -- horizontal -- stud to release the drywall from the opening.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a dust mask and safety glasses when cutting drywall from a door opening.

References

• Drywall-How-To: Hanging Drywall
• Learn-Basement-Renovations.com: How To Hang Drywall
• Fine Homebuilding; Cutting Drywall; Pat Carrasco; October 2000