Building An Exterior Door Frame

Measure from the floor or base of the frame to.

Building an exterior door frame.

Then mark the location for the door opening. Use a level to draw. Make the opening the width of the door plus 2 inches 5 1 cm and if additional studs are needed a space for these as. Start by laying the top and bottom plates side by side and measure starting from one end.

Measure your door carefully and cut the opening to fit using a reciprocating saw. Cut the head jamb to length so it equals the door width plus the thickness of both side jambs plus about 1 8 inch for door clearance between the side jambs. Place the two side doorjamb boards into the frame one on each side of the frame. Once you ve determined the location for a new entry door check for obstacles in the wall.

Here s what to do. On top of it exterior door shell made of wooden boards is attached. Pry away the studs and pull. Build the frame with the lumber laying on edge on the floor next to where it will be erected.

Set them upright on each side of the door opening. Measure the right side of the door frame with your tape measure. Cut one stud to the width of the. Cut two studs to the height that you measured using the electric saw.

If your rough opening measures 82 1 2 inches tall cut the side jambs to length at about 81 inches depending on how much clearance you want below the door. Measure the height and width of the door using the tape measure. Since the door opening must be bigger than the door in. How to build install an exterior door jamb step 1.

How to do it determine door location. Use a stud finder to determine the locations of your studs and plan the opening. Mark both plates simultaneously every 16 inches along their length for the studs.