Construct a door jamb
When it comes to the time that you need to install a door to your house, there is no reason to panic if you encounter a problem to construct the door jamb. A door jamb and a door frame go hand in hand. A door jamb works as the main support for a door frame. A door frame comes with two jambs whereby one is located on the side where the hinges are and the other can be found on the side where the locking mechanism is. The door jambs are basically to secure the frame into the wall better. These two jambs are connected through the head.
Constructing your door jamb by yourself is not that complicated. All you have to do is to have the right tools, boards, time to spare and the right steps. From there onwards, you are safe to go. Just make sure to follow the right steps, and more importantly make sure you are equipped with the right tools and know the procedure well. Here are the steps on how to do it.
You will need:
- Two piece of 2×4 inch boards
- Nails or screws
- ¾ or 5/8 inch lumber
- Finish nails
- Filler strip
Steps:
- First, you can start by measuring and cutting 2×4 inch boards to make studs before constructing a door jamb. You can insert these studs on either side of the opening for the door. But, make sure it measures the opening needed and add another extra 6 inches more. The height of the studs must be suitable for the door as well as an inch more.
- Then, form the header of the door by cutting two pieces of 2×4 inch boards to length. Use either nails or screws to secure them together at the height needed for the door. The height measurement starts from the ceiling plate to the header\’s top and then cut three “cripple studs” to this length. Install the studs two on the other side of the opening and one in the middle. Secure them to the header and the ceiling plate by using the toenail technique.
- For the interior door jambs, create a door jamb by using ¾ or 5/8 inch of pine of poplar lumber. It depends on the opening to determine the width, which would include the door frame plus anything that covers the walls such as the plaster, paneling, drywall or any other material.
- Next, make the piece for the door jamb that goes against the header first. Cut the two side pieces. First, install the cross piece and then the side by using the finish nails. Nail them into studs before inserting a filler strip. The filler strip is optional if you need to make the door jamb to fit in more snugly.
A door jamb is made by several materials, but overall it has to be determined where the door jamb will be used, and the door matters as well. The door jamb is basically hidden by either a casing or a trim. There are different types of door jambs and the most common one used is the hollow metal door jamb. These hollow metal door jambs are mostly made of cold-rolled steel that are mainly used for interior applications.
Additional Reading:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4453857_construct-door-jamb.html
Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dennajones/2321905013/
