How To Build A Frame For A Slab Door

Move the door to its location inside the doorframe.

How to build a frame for a slab door.

Toenail the cripple stud to the top plate and the side of the header. Use a chisel and hammer to peel the wood from the inside of the tracing to a depth of 1 8 inch. How to frame a door opening. Cut three pieces at the finished width of the door minus 11 the width of the two 1 6 side pieces.

Cut two pieces at the finished height of the door. I build mine by laminating two pieces of 3 4 thick stock. If you want to install a door in your house you have to first frame the door opening to prepare it for the installation. Cut the header to fit between the king studs.

Clamps clamps and more clamps interior doors are usually 1 3 8 thick. The cross bore hole for the latch should be 1 inch in diameter right in the centered in the door and the knob hole. The door frame is built using loose tenons or dominoes with a panel that floats in a groove in the frame. Install a cripple stud between the header and the top plate halfway between the king studs.

If you re replacing a damaged slab door and you re able to find one that has the exact same dimensions that s likely to be the easiest route because you ll already know it s a good fit. Attach the slab door hinges to the doorframe. With a ladder some nails and a hammer you re well on your way to outfitting your own. Make a header by fitting two 2 x 8s around a 1 2 inch piece of plywood.

Assemble the frame using glue and 1 1 4 pocket hole screws. Set the pocket hole jig for 3 4 material and drill pocket holes in each end of the shorter pieces. Cut around the tracings using a utility knife. A slab door on its own is cheaper than a pre hung door but you re obviously not paying for a frame or hinges either.

With the door built you will need to cut holes for the doorknob and mortise hinges. Score the tracings to a depth of 1 8 inch.