Framing Out An Exterior Door

The unfinished natural wood frame can be installed to either side of the door opening.

Framing out an exterior door.

By looking at an existing door s bottom in relation to the house s siding you can tell how high the stairway will need to be. Determine the size of the door opening. This clearance provides you with a little room to fine tune the door position before securing it in place. Framing a rough opening means adding about 1 2 inch clearance between the top and both sides of the door jams and the framed rough opening.

Before framing for a new door you should also determine what sort of stairway you will need outside. Before you start ripping your old door out of its frame you want to get the new door. The size and type will depend on your needs and the size of the door frame. The builder s choice wood pocket door frame is the builder s choice wood pocket door frame is constructed from solid hemlock and is conveniently pre assembled for easy installation.

The size of the door opening will vary depending on the size of the door you plan to install. A typical door opening is 2 inches 5 1 cm wider than the door size being installed to allow for the thickness of the jamb material and shims to plumb the jamb. The bottom of the wall frame is called the sole plate. Our hardwood door frames are ideal for most homes and come in a range of designs finishes and sizes.

If wood casing is used. Wood doors tend to have a nicer look but they aren t as weather resistant as fiberglass or steel doors. Complete your new door installation with a beautiful door frame from the range at homebase. Consult the door manufacturer s instructions for the correct width and height of the rough opening you will frame.

Measure your door carefully and cut the opening to fit using a reciprocating saw. This will serve as the sides of your door frame once completed. You don t want to get stuck with the wrong sized door. A 1 inch space on each side of the opening should also be measured and marked.

The width on the 2x4 inch board horizontal should be marked as well the height nearest the 2x4 inch wall studs located outside of the door frame. To prevent rot when replacing outside door casings such as brick mold use casing made from plastic composite material. Choose finished or unfinished oak along with frames with fire door lining for added safety.