Quck answer
Building and installing an exterior door jamb involves several steps:
1. Measure and cut the door jamb material to the desired length and width.
2. Use a router to create a groove for the weatherstripping.
3. Attach the door jamb to the wall framing using screws or nails.
4. Install the door hinges and latch plate onto the jamb.
5. Hang the door onto the hinges and adjust for proper fit.
6. Install the door hardware, such as the doorknob and deadbolt.
7. Apply weatherstripping around the door jamb to improve insulation and prevent drafts.
8. Seal any gaps or cracks with caulk or weatherproofing material.
By following these steps, you can successfully build and install an exterior door jamb.
Creating a doorjamb is a fairly simple project. You have the option to buy pre-cut boards for this task, or you can purchase trim boards and cut them to the appropriate size yourself. Some pre-made exterior doorjamb boards may already have weather stripping attached to them. Buying pre-cut, ready-to-use doorjamb boards will save you time and effort.
Step 1
Using a tape measure, determine the measurement of the right side of the door frame. Measure from the floor or base of the frame to the top of the frame. Mark this measurement on one 8-foot doorjamb board. Utilize a circular saw to cut it to the correct length. Measure the left side of the door frame. Mark this measurement on the second 8-foot doorjamb board. Cut it to the appropriate length using the circular saw.
Step 2
Insert the two side doorjamb boards into the frame, placing one on each side of the frame. Have someone hold them in place. Measure across the top of the door frame between the two side jambs. Mark this distance on the 6-foot doorjamb board. Cut it to the correct length using the circular saw. The wooden portion of the doorjamb consists of three sections: two sides and one top. This does not include the interior and exterior trim or the threshold.
Step 3
Jamb boards nailed together
Attach the finish nailer to the compressor hose. When nailing the three doorjamb boards together, make sure that the weather stripping side or the open edge for weather stripping placement is facing the interior part of the house. Place the short overhead board between the top of the two side jambs. Ensure that the ends of the side jambs do not extend past the ends of the center board. The nailed doorjamb should resemble an upside-down square letter U. It is not necessary to cut 45-degree angles in the jamb pieces.
Step 4
Combination of square and level
Use a square to ensure that the corners are at 90 degrees when nailing the jamb parts. Hold one side jamb and the top to the side and top of the square. Nail the two parts together. Repeat the process for the other side.
Step 5
Place the doorjamb into the door frame. Insert shims between the doorjamb and the door frame. Insert the shims at the top on both ends and along the sides at the top, middle, and bottom. Overlap the shims by sliding one in from the outside and one in from the inside. Make sure the shims are tight. Use additional shims if two are not enough. Check if the door is level. Hold the level vertically to the sides and horizontally across the top. If the doorjamb is not level, adjust the shims until it is.
Step 6
Attach the framing nailer to the compressor hose. Use the nailer to secure the doorjamb to the door frame. Shoot the nails into the same locations where you placed the shims. Use a box knife to cut the excess portion of the shims, making them even with the doorjamb.
Step 7
You will need to purchase and install a new threshold and trim for the interior and exterior sides of the doorjamb. Once you have completed this, you will be ready to install the door. Use a 1-inch paddle drill bit to create the holes for your door latch and deadbolt.
