How to Stud a New Doorway

"Studding a new doorway" is another way of describing the process of building a sturdy framework from which a door will hang. When constructing a new wall, any doorway frames should be built first, with the rest of the wall supports fitting in around the door frame. If you are putting a doorway into an existing wall, the frame should occupy a space in the wall with no load-bearing beams. Keep in mind throughout the process that all parts of a door frame must be perfectly level for the door to function properly.

Tape measure
Pencil
Handsaw
Screw gun
2 1/2-inch drywall screws
Circular saw
2-by-4 inch studs
Level
Shims
L-shaped corner brackets

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the space for the new doorway using your tape measure. The total width of the doorway should include the width of the door you expect to hang, plus the doorjambs on each side, plus the width of two 2-by-4 inch studs on each side, plus 1 inch for later alterations and adjustments. Use your pencil to mark the projected width of the doorway on the beams at the top and bottom of your existing wall.
- 2
  Use your handsaw to cut the beam or floor runner located along the bottom of your wall to the width of your new doorway. Screw the floor runner down using 2 1/2-inch drywall screws and your screw gun. Cutting away part of the floor runner leaves it loose, so additional anchoring is required to create a strong framework for your door.
- 3
  Cut two 2- by 4-inch studs to fit from the floor to the ceiling runner using your circular saw. Install one 2-by-4 stud on each side of the doorway opening. Screw the studs into the sides of the floor runner and toenail them into the ceiling runner using your drywall screws and screw gun. Use your level and shims to make sure each stud sits true.
- 4
  Measure the height of the door frame using your tape measure. Mark this measurement on the upright studs you just installed using your pencil. Use your circular saw to cut a stud to fit the doorway space between the two upright studs and install it at the height of your pencil marks using your screw gun and drywall screws. Check the installation with your level prior to fastening in place.
- 5
  Measure the vertical space between your floor and the stud at the top of your door frame with your tape measure. Cut two more 2-by-4s to this length and install them, one on each side of the doorway opening using your screw gun and drywall screws. Use your level to ensure a straight fit .
- 6
  Measure the vertical space between the stud at the top of your door frame and the ceiling runner above it with your tape measure. Cut a 2-by-4 stud piece to fit this gap and install it at the center of the door frame using your screw gun and drywall screws. With your door framework in place the doorway is now ready to receive a new door.

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