How to Frame a Door Opening

Framing a door opening is simple, this step by step article will walk you through the basic construction for framing a door opening right the first time.

Things You'll Need

• level, hammer, tape measure, saw.

Instructions

1. 

   The first thing you should know about framing a door opening is adding the right amount of space to install the door and square it up if needed. You should add 2-1/2" to the width and 1-3/4 to the height of the door not the door "frame". Example a 36"x80" door would need a R/O [rough opening] of 38-1/2"x81-3/4 [a simple way to get the height right for any standard size door is to use a 80-1/4" jack stud under the header. First install two studs with a inside to inside measurement of the R/O, then place the header in place and then nail it with 8 [16-D nails] on each side.

2. 

   Add in all the stud/header jacks, they should be put under any load point that might be above and they should be 16" or 24" on center go off whatever layout is on the wall being build. [these days 16" centers is almost always used for building walls] If the Door is over 6' wide you should add a extra 3" to the header measurement [that is 3" wider then the R/O] then add two header jacks on both sides, also if your using wide trim around the doors you can pack out the sides by adding a few 2x4's on the "King Studs".

3. 

   Level both header jacks on the inside of the R/O then cut the plate between the header jacks. Next add a peace of 3/4" treaded lumber caulked on the bottom side and along the bottom plate of the wall where they meet. [add flashing if needed]

4. 

   Place the door center in the hole, add shims first in behind the hinges nialing/screwing the door frame inplace level. Adjust the door as needed to make the gap around the door and the frame equal.