Closet doors tend to be the narrowest doors in the home, while servicing one of the most often used spaces. Adding just a bit of width to the door opening can improve access and convenience to your closet, as well as increase the closet's storage options. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove existing closet door trim from both sides of jamb and remove doorknob and related hardware. Set aside for reuse.
2. Remove existing closet door and jamb.
3. On either side of the door opening is a 2-inch-by-4-inch framing member called a "trimmer stud" that helps to support the door header. Remove these pieces of wood by pulling the horizontal nails they are attached with, using a nail puller. With these two pieces of framing removed, the opening is now 3 inches wider than the original opening.
4. Measure the inside vertical distance between the 2-inch by 4-inch base plate that the trimmer stud was sitting on and the bottom of the door header. Cut two pieces of the ½-inch plywood strips to this measurement.
5. Place the ½-inch plywood strips against the 2-inch-by-4-inch wall stud at either side of the door opening and nail securely with 8d box nails.
6. Use the utility knife to cut the overhanging drywall around the perimeter of the door opening flush with the edge of the ½-inch plywood strips at both sides and the bottom of the door header.
7. Insert the new pre-hung door unit into the enlarged opening and install according to the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Replace the door trim, door knob and hardware.
Tags: door opening, door header, -inch plywood, -inch plywood strips, plywood strips, both sides