How to Frame an Exterior Door

Framing your exterior door can be a time consuming task and challenging if you don't know what you're doing. A good looking door is essential for an attractive home. But not only that, framing your door properly ensures that it opens and closes with a secure, safe hold.

Instructions

1. Measure the door, making sure to mark its dimensions on the sole plate, which will be the 2x4 that marks the base of the wall frame. These can also be called "studs." Don't forget to place them on the surrounding studs as well. Then you'll want to mark a rough opening for your door frame. This rough opening should be about one inch wider, and a half-inch to one inch taller than the door unit. That way you'll have plenty of room for shimming and caulking. After that, measure and mark two spaces for the 2x4 studs on both sides of your doorframe. Remember that any existing wall studs may already be in their proper places. You might also need to remove whatever existing wall studs that fall within your rough opening area.


2. Measure the height from top plate to the sole plate, and proceed to cutting two 2x4 studs to match. You will need to position these two studs using the outermost markings on your rough opening that was mentioned in step one. First check them with a leveler, and then nail them in (at a diagonal) through the top and sole plates.


3. Insert the doorjamb in the space that you have just created. You can purchase one already made from any home depot store. If the doorjamb does not fit properly, you can add a filler strip if necessary.


4. Add finished framing after you have already applied the dry wall, paneling and any other material you might wish to add before calling it quits. Then add head and side casings to finish your doorframe.