Rough opening for a door

The general rule of thumb is 2" taller and wider than the door, so it should be 32"X82".

Frame interior doors named size plus 2" (a rough opening for a 2-6 door is 2-8). Standard header height is 82 1/2" although some carpenters frame them at 82. 82 1/2 will allow plenty of room for finished flooring.

Thank you!

Thank you very much!

A quick Google search would seem to indicate that will be a little on the small side- this site recommends 32x82 3/4. (

I don't remember what the 'standard' sizes are off the top of my head, but the best way to be SURE is call or visit your supplier, and look in the catalog or at the tag on the door, and maybe pull the tape off your belt and double check. The catalog or tag on the casing will give the RO requirements. Some prehungs require a higher opening to accommodate the the 'ears' at the top of the side jambs, since the top jamb fits into a rabbit on the sides. (This is mainly on exterior doors.)

If in doubt (like if the doors are special order), make the RO a little oversize. It is a lot easier to add shim stock, than to enlarge an opening.

aem sends...

Add 2 inches both ways, if you cant make it fit in that a little less is ok too as long as its straight.

Oversize is worse if the trim won't cover or there is no way to nail the trim. 2 inches over door width is normal.

I was presuming the doors would show up before you rocked the walls, of course. I have seen situations where the client decided on tile floors later, and header had to be reworked- it wasn't pretty. I have also seen custom high-end doors come in with 1" or 5/4 jambs, versus the normal 3/4". They had to replace the cripples with 1x to make them work.

Even if the rock was already done, reworking the area around the door isn't that big a deal.

But having said all that, yes, 2" is normal, and seldom a problem if you do your homework. A vendor won't get much repeat business if they supply doors bigger than spec.

aem sends....

won't cover or there is no way to nail the

Yes, anything unusual you should call your supplier and ask for a rough opening. Even exterior doors often require 2 1/2" over nominal size.