How to Install a Wood Door in Steel Framing

Cut two-by-fours to the length of the door header. Screw the two by four into the steel header for the door.

Measure the distance from the bottom of the header to the floor. Cut two pieces of 2-by-4 lumber to this measurement and screw them into the steel side jambs.

Set the door into the framed opening so that the door is centered within the door opening. Insert shims between the door and the door header and side jambs until the door is centered and plumb. Mark the location where the hinges on the door meet the hinge side jamb.

Remove the door from the opening and disassemble the hinges. Use half of the hinge to draw the outline of the hinge at both hinge locations marked on the door jamb. Hold the edge of the hinge against the door jamb at both locations and trace the thickness of the hinge. Remove the wood on the inside of the outline with a chisel and mallet until you reach the line indicating the thickness of the hinge. Smooth the chiseled area with the chisel. Ensure the beveled edge is facing outwards.

Test fit the hinge half in both chiseled areas to ensure that the hinge fits squarely in the space, flush with the jamb. At this point drill the holes for the door's lockset per the manufacturer's instructions.

Screw the hinge halves into the door jamb ensuring that the knuckles of the hinge face the direction in which the door will swing. Place the door in the opening and slot both halves of the hinges together. Slip the hinge pins back into the hinges.