[joe59golfer]

I'm installing a full bathroom in our basement in an odd space and need to put a door perpendicular to two walls. The space between the two walls is 34" with a triple stud on one side and a double on the other. I'd like to be able to get largest door in the space. I could go with nailing a single cripple stud through the face to the ends of these studs on both sides of the frame and end up with 31" rough opening, but is that sufficient support for an interior door? Thanks for the help.

 

[Paragon]

Joe,

If you are hanging a prehung door and I am assuming that you are for the sake of conversation then here is what you do. I also am going to assume that the door you have is non conventional as well so that I don't derail your project.

Take the door that you are installing and measure outside to outside of the jambs (or door frame). Then add 1 - 1. 5 inches to the width and 1/2 - 1" in height and now this is what the opening will be framed at so that you have room for shimming the door.

I would give you the standard framing sizes for a rough opening but like I said I am going under the assumption that you have something not standard. You can also reverse this process and get the correct rough opening for a door you are looking to buy.

Also, make sure when you install the door you compensate in room under the side jambs for your flooring that you are planning to install. If it is going to be linoleum you can just give it a little lift so that you can get the flooring ever so slightly tucked under the door however this is a site and installer specific consideration. I would keep the jamb off the slab if there are any moisture concerns for the basement however if you are installing vinyl and the slab is completely dry you could set the jamb on the slab and install accordingly.

This installation has many considerations but without being on site I can not identify all of them here.

Good luck and be safe.

 

[Gary in WA]

A trimmer stud nailed on each side would give you more room for trim. If you don't care about trim looks, you could leave it as 34" and install a 2'8" prehung unit. Just remember your 1/2" wallboard on each side. Then the 1/2 gap next to each side- from framing/jambs. Make sure you have about an inch clearance under the finished floor if you have forced air heat/cooling (return air path). If to a furnace room, it may have to be weather-stripped and possibly outside air supplied to gas units. Ask your Building Department. Whoops---- re-read bath. Never mind. Be safe, G

 

[rjniles]

The problem I foresee is there being no studs in the sidewalls to attach the door jambs. I would cut 2 pieces of 3/4 inch plywood 4 and 9/16 wide; lenghth the highth floor to ceiling. Use construction adhesive the full length, nail in at top and bottom to the plates. Install a 2/4 header 81 inches above the finished floor. Install a 2-6 (30 inch) pre-hung door. You will end up with a 2 inch space on each side for the casing (you will have to custom rip).

Or use a 28 inch door and use 2/4 for trimmers and go with standard casing.