installing masonite prehung doors

Jul 06, 2007 2 Replies

I have 4 doors to install in my basement project. 2 doorways are 2x4 framed with 1/2" sheetrock on both sides and 2 are 2x3 framed with



1/2" sheetrock also.

Is there a recommended way to trim the width of the doorjams so that they are flush with the walls? don't know if I am using the right terminology or not. I am guessing I want the door jams exactly flush with the sheetrock so that the trim look good.



Thanks.



Good eye/hand coordination and a skill saw is all i can come up with :)

You don't want the jamb exactly flush. It's good in theory, but you need a bit of room to compensate for irregularities in the wall surface. Generally ~ 1/6" on each side of the door. Factory jambs are typically 1/16" over the nominal wall thickness.

Cut from the back side of the jamb, and cut off the side that is not flush with the door face. Use a circular saw with an edge guide. Don't cut right up to the line, leave a little bit and use a hand plane to smooth out the edge of the jamb. Rock the plane a little bit

- just a few degrees to the outside of the jamb so that there's a small bevel on the jamb. This allows the trim to sit tight against the jamb at the inside edge of the trim. Lightly round over the sharp exposed corner on the jamb before installing the trim.

R

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required