How to: Drywall Doorways

Most doorways are fitted with wooden trim around the opening and feature a swinging door attached to the trim with hinges. However, some doorways, particularly larger doorways between a kitchen and living room or a front and back living room, have no doors installed in them and are finished with drywall similarly to the rest of the wall. Drywalling openings like these require a steady hand to create smooth surfaces, sharp corners and elegant transitions.

Utility knife
Measuring tape
Drywall screws, 1 1/4 inches long
Drill
Outside drywall corners
Spackle
Drywaller's knife
Sandpaper
Sanding block

Instructions

- 1
  Cut back any drywall or other materials that may be interfering with the doorway opening using a sharp utility knife. The edge of the drywall that is mounted on the main wall should be left extending 1/2 inch beyond the stud that forms the rough opening for the doorway. When you install the 1/2 inch drywall against the stud, its face will then be flush with the edge of the drywall that forms the main wall.
- 2
  Measure the distance between the inside faces of the drywall that is mounted on the two walls to each side of the doorway. In most standard walls, this measurement will be 3 1/2 inches.
- 3
  Cut a piece of drywall to this width and to the length of the height of the doorway. Install the drywall between the two pieces of drywall that are protruding on each side of the doorway and flush against the face of the stud. Secure it with 1 1/4-inch long drywall screws.
- 4
  Install the piece of drywall on the other side of the door using the same steps, then do the same for the piece of drywall across the top of the doorway.
- 5
  Attach outside drywall corners to both corners of the two sides and both corners of the top edge of the doorway. These are L-shaped plastic or metal brackets that protects the edges of the drywall and make it easier to create a straight line when applying spackle.
- 6
  Spread spackle over the surface of the outside corners and over the screw heads on the pieces of drywall you installed. Allow it to dry for 24 hours.
- 7
  Sand the spackle smooth. If there are irregular areas remaining, apply a second coat and allow it to dry for 24 hours before sanding it smooth.

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