How to Level a Door Jamb

Leveling a door jamb is necessary for the door to function properly. An out-of-level door jamb forces a door to "stick" when closed, stops the door from closing all the way or latching, and can leave unsightly gaps between the jamb and door slab. Follow the correct procedure to level the door jamb and properly maintain your door.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hammer
• Level
• Pry bar
• Utility knife
• Hacksaw
• Woodsaw
• Wood shims
• Nails

1. Remove the door slab by taking the pins from the hinges. Set the door to the side.

2. Cut the caulk joint with the knife where the casing meets the wall and where it meets the door jamb. Cutting the caulk joint saves damage to the surrounding paint when prying off the door casing.

3. Remove the casing on all sides of the door jamb. Be gentle with the casing; you will need it later to reapply.

4. Cut the nails holding the jamb to the wood studs with the hacksaw. Remove the nails if possible.

5. Place the level on the inside of the jamb and insert shims or remove shims until the jamb is level. Center the "bubble" of the leveling vial between the two lines.

6. Nail through the door jamb and shims into the wood stud, holding the jamb in place.

7. Trim the shims with the wood saw flush to the wall and door jamb.

8. Nail the casing to the wall and door jamb. Replace the door in the hinges.

Tips & Warnings

• Use new casing if the door was severely out of level and the old casing does not fit properly.
• Re-adjustment of the door latch is sometimes required.
• Use 8D or larger nails and countersink them into the door jamb for proper paint touch up.