Framing a Door's Rough Opening

Framing a rough opening means adding about 1/2 inch clearance between the top and both sides of the door jams and the framed rough opening. This clearance provides you with a little room to fine tune the door position before securing it in place.

​

To determine the size of the rough opening, measure the height and width of the pre-hung door, add the clearances mentioned above, and you've got the size of the rough opening.

​

During the actual door installation, you will use shims to adjust the door jams and 16d casing nails to hold the pre-hung door in place.

​