How to Make a Doorway

Adding a doorway is a quick and easy way to make a drastic change in your home’s appearance. Whether you are knocking down a wall or putting one up, a doorway is a necessity. Doorways don’t require a lot of work, but they do need careful detail and patience.

Things You'll Need

  • Stud lumber
  • Support boards
  • Door frame
  • Saw
  • Tape measure
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • Door
  • Leveler
  • Sanding tool
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Instructions

    • 1

      Create an opening in the wall, whether you are knocking down or adding one, that is approximately twice the width of and a foot taller than the door you are installing. Install a stud piece of wood on both sides of the doorway by cutting a board to fit the opening from top to bottom.

    • 2

      Build two more studs within the opening you have created. These studs must be spaced out to the exact dimensions of the door. Measure this, and nail the new boards to the floor and upper stud of the opening. This will be the frame for the new doorway once you are finished.

    • 3

      Place a board running from stud to stud at the exact height of the door. In the center of the board, nail a support board into place. This will finish off the frame for your doorway. Take the door you want to install and double check to see that there is enough room to open and close it.

    • 4

      Measure the width and height of the open area around your new door frame. Measure and cut pieces of drywall that will fit this space. Attach the drywall to the wall by hammering it, using drywall nails, where the studs are located.

    • 5

      Attach hinges to the sides of your doorway studs. Screw the door into the hinges and test your door. If it doesn’t open properly, you may need to use a leveler to shave some wood off the top and bottom.