How to Install a Rough Door Opening in an Existing Wall

Making a doorway where one does not currently exist may create better access to a room or change traffic patterns in your home to better use its floor space. There is more to installing a door in a wall than just cutting a hole. The existing framework will need to be strengthened too so that the load-carrying capacity of the wall will not be compromised and to give the door a sturdy point from which to hang.

Measuring tape
2- by 4-inch lumber
2- by 6-inch lumber (optional)
Circular saw
1/2-inch plywood scraps
16D nails
Hammer
Utility knife
Reciprocating saw
Pry bar

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the width of the door that will be installed in the rough opening with a measuring tape. Add 2 inches to this measurement to get the total width needed for the rough opening. Note that the extra width makes room for the door jamb and any adjustments that may be needed.
- 2
  Cut two pieces of 2- by 4-inch lumber to length with a circular saw using the rough width measurement plus 3 inches. Use 2-by-6 lumber for openings wider than 36 inches. Sandwich scraps of 1/2-inch thick plywood between the two pieces of 2-by-4 or 2-by-6 lumber. Ensure the pieces are perfectly aligned with each other and nail them together with 16D nails. Note that this assembly will act as the header -- or top structural piece -- of the rough door opening.
- 3
  Cut through the drywall in the area where the rough opening will be installed with a utility knife. Choose an area free of electrical outlets, if possible. Remove the wall coverings on each side of the wall in the same fashion to expose the wall framing studs.
- 4
  Measure the height of the door that will be installed in the rough opening. Add 1 1/2 inches to this measurement to get the total height of the rough opening.
- 5
  Measure from the floor up with a measuring tape to the height of the rough opening plus the width of the header assembly. Make a mark at this measurement on the all of the existing wall studs that will need to be cut to make the door opening. Cut through the studs will a reciprocating saw on the marks. Remove the studs from the wall by twisting them out.
- 6
  Make marks on the existing bottom plate of the wall to indicate the position of the rough opening. Cut through the bottom plate with the reciprocating saw. Remove the section of bottom plate with a pry bar.
- 7
  Cut two lengths of two-by-fours to the height of the rough opening, minus 1 1/2 inches. Position the pieces vertically on each side of the bottom plate where the section was removed to create jack studs. Nail the bottoms of the jack studs into the bottom plate with 16D nails.
- 8
  Cut two lengths of two-by-fours to the same length as the existing wall studs to create king studs. Position the king studs on the outer sides of the jack studs. Nail the king studs into the top plate, bottom plate and into the jack studs with 16D nails.
- 9
  Place the header into position horizontally so that each edge of the header is resting on the top of the jack studs. Nail the header to the jack studs, king studs and the existing shortened studs above the header with 16D nails.

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