Frame A Basement Door In 4 Steps

When adding in a new room in the basement, you should consider where the basement door will be located in that room. Many homeowners will build a new room in the basement to get a little extra living space for a home office, gym or extra bedroom. However, one of the tricky parts is framing in the basement door. Here are some tips to help you with that.

Step One - Preparing Door Opening

After the frame for the basement room has been completed you will then need to cut out the frame for the basement door. Before you do that, check the existing frame to be sure it is plumb and level. After you know the room frame is sturdy, then determine the size of the opening. If you are going to install a standard 32-inch door, then you will need a 34-inch opening. This will allow room for the door jamb and the hinges.

Step Two - Cut Bottom Plate

Measure out 34 inches on the bottom plate and place 2 marks to show where each edge of the door frame will be. Use a square to determine if the marks are square. Next, take the reciprocating saw and cut the 2x4's that are within those 2 marks in half. Remove these 2x4's by twisting them off their nails and pulling them down or up. Set the depth of the circular saw blade at 1 3/8 inches and carefully cut out the bottom plate. Ensure that the cuts are square. Use a wood chisel on the remaining piece of bottom plate and then remove the form the door frame.

Step Three - Build Door Frame

Measure 2 2x4's to the right height and nail them to the edge of the bottom plate. Keep a level on them while nailing them to the top plate. Build a header out of 2 2x4's nailed together on their sides. Measure up the height of the door, plus 1 inch for the door jamb and wall covering. Attach the header in between 2 vertical studs and nail in place. Measure the space between the top edge of the header and the top plate. Cut out the 2x4's and install in this area. Keep a 16-inch on center spacing.

Step Four - Finishing Frame

Nail 1 more 2x4 stud to 1 side of the frame by attaching it to the top and bottom sill. This will be the side that the door is attached to. On the other side of the door frame, install 3 to 4 2x4 pieces that will fit from the end stud to the first wall stud.

Once you have finished the the framing, check to see that everything  is square, and level. If anything is out of alignment it will make installing the door much more difficult.