DIY Network

Door Jamb Repair / Graduation From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-206

Finished door jamb installation.

With the walls sporting new plaster and the new suspended ceiling in place, the Greens -- along with some instruction from the DIY to the Rescue crew -- redo the closet door jambs to match the other doorways. While the door jambs are redone, the Green kids are assembling shelves that will house school supplies.

Materials:

Pencil
Level
Tape measure
Power drill
Wood shims
Skill saw
Finish nailer
2" finish nails
4-penny and 6-penny nails
Nail gun
Table saw
Miter saw
Hammer
Nail set
Wood putty
(7) 1" x 6" x 8’ clear pine
(1) 1" x 8" x 8’ clear pine
(6) 1" x 4" x 8’ clear pine
(1) 1" x 12" x 12" #2 SPF
(1) 3/8" x 10" x 72" white oak
(2) 8" x 10" x 1" pine plinth blocks
(1) 8’ Decorative head molding

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	After: Getting an education in home improvement helped the Greens improve their home-schooling space.

For safety's sake: Wear goggles while using the saw or nail gun.

1. Measure the doorway for accurate dimensions before cutting pieces for the door jamb. When cutting pieces for the jamb, avoid cutting angles. Cut side pieces for jamb 1" shorter than measured height.

   
   

2. Install the side pieces, followed by the top part of the jamb (figure A). Use a nail gun with 2" finishing nails to secure.

   
   

3. Secure the plinth blocks at the bottom of the outer and inner parts of the jamb, near the floor (figure B). A plinth block is the base black at the intersection of the baseboard and vertical trim, near an opening.

   
   

4. Next, cut and install the trim. Measure, then cut the top and side molding at 45-degree angles for a seamless intersection. Install the side molding with 4-penny nails on the inside edges and 6-penny on the outside edges (which are usually thicker). Space the nails about 12" apart (figure C).

   
   

5. With the two side pieces in place, test the top piece for a snug and tight fit. If the top trim doesn't fit properly, you might have to cut down or even cut a new piece. For this reason, having extra molding on-hand is ideal. Nail the top piece in place using 4- and 6-penny nails (figure D). With the trim in place, use a nail-set to drive all the nail heads just below the surface.

   
   

6. Fill the nail holes with some wood filler using a small putty knife. Wait for it to dry before lightly sanding any rough areas.

   
   

7. Install the inner trim using the same steps.
   

With the door jamb in place, and new paint, lockers, desks and window treatments, the Greens have graduated to a new classroom!