How to Drywall an Old Doorway

Doorways that are no longer useful or are being relocated during a remodeling job can be covered up with drywall. Drywall is an inexpensive type of interior construction material used for wall finishing and is more simple to install than plaster. Because drywall is sold in 4-by-8-feet sheets, it is often a quick fit for most residential interior walls. Just about anyone with a few tools can hang drywall over an old doorway.

Things You'll Need

• Pry bar
• Hammer
• Screw gun
• Tape measure
• 2-by-4-inch lumber
• Safety glasses
• Circular saw
• Concrete screws
• Wood screws
• Drywall saw
• Drywall sheets
• Drywall screws

Instructions

1. Remove the trim from both sides of the doorway with a pry bar and hammer.

2. Take the old door off the hinges by pulling the pin out by hand or with pliersand then unfasten the hinges with a screw gun.

3. Measure the height and width of your old doorway. These dimensions will vary, but interior doorways are generally about 3-by-7-feet.

4. Put on safety glasses and cut six pieces of 2-by-4-inch lumber to make the frame. The top and bottom should be as long and the width of the doorway, while the remaining four studs should be the height of the doorway minus 4-inches to accommodate the two horizontal studs.

5. Fasten one horizontal 2-by-4-inch studs to the bottom of the doorway with a screw gun using concrete screws. Then fasten the top horizontal stud with wood screws.

6. Fit the remaining four studs vertically into the doorway between the top and bottom studs. Two should go against the wall, while the other to vertical studs should be spaced evenly in the center of the doorway.

7. Fasten the vertical studs using a screw gun and wood screws to toenail them into place. Toenailing simply means to drive the screws in at a 45 degree angle.

8. Measure and cut two drywall sheets to cover each side of the old doorway using a tape measure and drywall saw. Then, fasten the drywall sheets on both sides of the doorway with a screw gun and drywall screws. You can then paint and/or texture the drywall to fit the home's decor.

References

• "Popular Mechanics Home Repairs & Improvements"; Albert Jackson, et al.; 2006
• "Ultimate Guide to Drywall: Pro Tips for Hanging & Finishing"; John D. Wagner; 2005