How to Install a Door in a Wall

Locate any electrical wiring, plumbing or ducting in the wall near where the installation will occur. Check the wall for electrical outlets or switches. Check the roof outside for any plumbing vents exiting the roof near where the wall is located. Check the basement or crawl space under the wall or the attic above the wall for any nearby wires, plumbing or ducts. Choose a location least likely to contain any obstructions, or you may have to hire a professional to relocate electrical wires, plumbing or ducting.

Locate the wall studs or each side of the proposed door opening with a stud finder. Cut along the center line of each stud on the drywall from floor to ceiling with a utility knife. Remove the center section of drywall with a hammer and pry bar. Repeat for the opposite side of the wall.

Measure the width and height of the door jamb of the door you are installing. Remove wall studs from the surrounding wall with a hammer and pry bar. Mark the sill plate with the width of the door jamb plus one inch in the desired location. Cut through the sill on each mark with a reciprocating saw and remove the center section.

Reuse the removed studs or cut new ones to fit on each side of the opening from floor to ceiling. Place a level on each stud. Move the stud slightly into position as needed so the bubble is between both marks on the level. Nail the studs into place with 16D framing nails and a hammer.

Measure the width between the two studs installed previously and cut a length of two by four lumber. Measure the height of the door jamb and add ½ inch. Place the cut piece horizontally between the two vertical studs at this height. Place a level on top of the piece and adjust it up or down slightly as necessary until it is perfectly level. Nail the piece into place with 16D nails.

Lift and raise the door and jamb into position in the newly-framed opening. Place a level on the sides and top of the jamb and push wood wedges into the gap between the jamb and the rough opening until the bubble in the level is between the two marks. Drive a 2-inch wood screw through the jamb, wedge and into the rough framing with a power drill that has a Phillips bit attachment. Secure the jamb to the rough framing every 16 inches in the same fashion. Cut off excess pieces of wedge sticking out past the opening with a utility knife.

Test the operation of the door. Patch the wall surrounding the rough opening and repaint as necessary.