How to Frame a Slab Door
- 1). Measure the slab door. Use a reciprocating saw to cut a space in the bottom plate that is 2 inches wider than the door itself. This is the opening for the door. (The bottom plate is the horizontal piece of lumber that runs along the bottom of the wall frame.)
- 2). Measure the space between the bottom plate and the top plate. Use a circular saw to cut two lengths of lumber in this size. These pieces are the king studs. (The top plate is the horizontal piece of lumber that runs along the top of the wall frame.)
- 3). Nail the king studs into place on either side of the door opening, 2 inches away from the cut in the bottom plate. Use metal connector brackets to attach the king studs to the bottom and top plates. Metal connector brackets will keep the king studs positioned at an exact 90-degree angle to these plates.
- 4). Measure the height of the door. Use a circular saw to cut two pieces of lumber 1 inch longer than the height of the door. These pieces are called the jack studs.
- 5). Nail each jack stud to a king stud so that the base of the jack stud is resting on the bottom plate, flush with the edge of the opening for the door.
- 6). Measure the distance between the king studs, above the jack studs. Cut a length of lumber to fit between the two king studs. This length of lumber is called the header. If this is a non-load-bearing wall, the header can be made from 2-by-4-inch lumber. For a load-bearing wall, the dimensions will be different. Consult with the building plans for the exact measurements.
- 7). Nail the header into place just above the jack studs so the header and jack studs are touching. Use metal connector brackets to keep the header square with the king studs.
- 8). Measure the space between the header and the top plate. Cut two pieces of lumber big enough to fit in this space. These pieces of lumber are called the cripple studs.
- 9). Nail the cripple studs into place between the header and top plate. Use metal connector brackets to make them square. Space the cripple studs 12 inches apart.
Source...