Popular Mechanics - USA (2021-03)

1. Take off the existing
   shed door by removing
   the hinge screws with a
   cordless drill. Then use
   a pry bar to pull off any
   interior or exterior trim.


2. Install new studs to
   the left and right of the
   existing opening, placing
   them each 1 in. wider
   than the width of the
   new doorframe (A).


3. Cut and install a new
   header at least ½ inch
   taller than the new door-
   frame (B). The extra
   space helps you adjust

and shim the new door

to ensure it’s plumb.

4. Use a circular saw
   and reciprocating saw
   to remove any siding,
   sheathing, and studs
   within the studs and
   header you just installed
   (C). Also cut out the sole
   plate running along the
   bottom of the newly
   expanded doorway.


5. Run a bead of sili-
   cone sealant along the
   bottom of the doorway
   opening; it’ll prevent air
   and wind-blown rain

from seeping under the

new door.

6.Set the new pre-

hung entry door into

the opening from the

outside (D), check it

for plumb with a 4-ft.

level on all sides, then

tap shims between the

doorframe and rough

opening. Place shims at

and opposite each hinge

(E). Tap in the shims just

tight enough to hold

the door in place. If you

pound the shims too

vigorously, you could

bow in the doorframe.

7. Secure the door by
   screwing through its
   brickmold and into the
   wall studs (F). Use 3-in.
   galvanized decking
   screws, space them
   about 12 in. apart, and
   drive them through the
   wooden brickmold on
   the sides and top of
   the door.


8. Trim the shims flush
   to the doorframe with a
   fine-tooth handsaw.


9. Reinstall any interior
   and exterior trim, and
   install a new lockset.

Header

Sole plate

King stud

Existing

doorframe

Header

install

Trim stud

Cripple

HOW TO

REFRAME

A DOORWAY

A

B

C

D

Shim

install

E

Securing

door to studs

F

New entry doorway

ILLUSTRATIONS BY GEORGE RETSECK