Support Framing for Heavy Doors

For a Swinging Door

• 1

  Pick a location for the new door. Orient the door to avoid cutting through necessary studs that support a load-bearing wall. Consult with a contractor, architect or other licensed professional if in doubt. Obtain any necessary building permits or permissions, as required in your area.

• 2

  Measure the door and cut an opening in the wall that is 6 inches wider than the door or doors. Fit 2-by-4 vertical studs on each side of the door. Use a level to keep them perfectly vertical. Nail them to the horizontal 2-by-4 board, called the "shoe", that runs along the ground. Set another 2-by-4 across the top of the studs, at ceiling height, and nail it to the studs.

• 3

  Measure and mark the height of the door along the vertical studs closest to the door area. Cut two 2-by-4 boards to the length of the door height plus 1 inch. Nail this pair of 2-by-4 boards along the two vertical studs. Cut another two 2-by-4 boards to the width of the door plus 4 inches. Nail these boards into place along the top of the door opening.

• 4

  Select a door jamb that has at least three heavy-duty hinges that use screws instead of nails. Set the door jamb into the doorway opening. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, either nailing the door jamb directly to the studs or using a sheathing.

For Pocket Doors

• 5

  Select an appropriate place for your door, as you would for a standard swinging door. Avoid placing a door on a load-bearing wall where you would need to cut any vital studs. Check that your chosen wall has enough space to accommodate the pocket door when fully open.

• 6

  Select a ready-made heavy-duty pocket door frame. Look for the maximum weight indicated on the frame, potentially up to around 300 pounds. Choose all-steel studs or steel-backed studs, if possible. Choose heavy gauge all-steel studs if you want the same level of wall rigidity as you would find in a standard stud wall, without any pocket door. Look for a frame with a heavy-duty I-beam style upper track, designed to accommodate heavier sliding doors.

• 7

  Follow the same preliminary steps for framing a standard swinging door. Consult with an architect, contractor or building professional, as necessary. Obtain any permits required by your community or local government. Follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.