DIY Network

Removing Bedroom Doors and Finishing Drywall / Adding Finishing Touches From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-211

With the exterior doors replaced, host Amy Devers work with Tyler to remove the interior French doors and frame the opening. Later, Karl will show him a new technique for finishing drywall.

Door Removal and Wall Framing

Materials:

Level
Table saw
Chop saw
Straight edge
Chalk line
16d nails
Nail gun
Hammer
Screw gun
Safety glasses
Drywall screws
Saw horses
Drywall T-square
Utility Knife

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

1. Remove the old French doors by removing the hinge pins. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the pins out and carefully take doors off of the frame.

2. Remove door casing and jamb using a pry bar and hammer (figure A). Be sure to wear proper safety glasses and gloves during this process. Tip: To minimize damage to the surrounding wall during the removal, first score around the jamb with a carpenter's knife.

3. After removing all parts of the casing and jamb, use a level check the opening for level and plumb.

4. Begin framing the opening, starting with the base plate. First, remove floor sill (figure B), then measure width of bottom of opening to get the length needed for the base plate. Snap a chalk line to indicate where floor boards must to cut away for installation of the base plate.

5. To create the base plate, cut 2 x 4s to match your earlier measurement. Install base plate between existing studs and secure directly to floor using 16d nails.

6. Measure height from base plate to the existing header, then measure 16" increments at the base, starting from one side of the frame (figure C) to determine how many studs will need to be cut. Cut length of studs to match the vertical height from base plate to header.

7. Begin installing the studs, with the first directly adjoining an existing stud to give added structural support (figure D). Install studs by "toe-nailing" 16d nails at an angle into base plate and header.

8. With the studs in place, it's time to move on to drywalling. Measure drywall and cut to size needed. Use a chalk line to indicate measurement and use a razor knife to carefully make the cuts.

9. Before hanging the drywall, it's best to align the smooth factory edges together. When the beveled edges meet, a recess is created for smooth application of joint compound.

10. Use screws -- which are stronger than nails -- to secure the drywall to the studs. Drove the screws into the paper just enough to dimple the surface, but not rip the paper (figure E).

Figure F