[simeltzer]

I've just finished installing 8 new prehung doors in my house and have now moved on to the trim. Most of the frames will trim out nicely, however I've got two that are gonna be a PITA. I was able to get all of the doors installed properly, but in 2 instances I have walls that aren't plumb and thus door frames that stick out in some areas and recess in others. I'm sure this isn't a rare problem but I'm not sure how to make the trim fit reasonably well. Any ideas from the pros?

 

[ron45]

A picture or two would help.
Unless you want to wade through all the different scenarios until you find the one that fits your need.?

 

[simeltzer]

This is what I'm talking about

 

[ZTMAN]

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/install-extension-jamb-door-21419.html

Either install new jambs or make some jamb extensions. I would vote for new jambs

 

[ront02769]

I am not getting it from the pictures either because it looks like those things are out by well over an inch! Is that the case??

 

[ZTMAN]

Its the jamb, not the case(ing):vs_lol:

 

[simeltzer]

Yeah it's the jamb. It's not an inch or more but it's some spots it's about a half. If it were a uniform gap all the way around, jamb extensions might be practical but they're not

 

[woodworkbykirk]

if its on your own house it depends on how much you want to spend.. you cant spend $10 on a piece of 1x6 pine and rip furring strips or spend $50 and buy a brand new jamb kit for wider framing and rip it down to fit the opening

 

[simeltzer]

Thanks for the info guys. Looks like new jambs is what t will be

 

[firehawkmph]

I would just rip some jamb extensions, or if most of your gaps are close enough to a 1/2", you can by parting stop molding that is 1/2" X 5/8" and tack it on with a brad tracker. Any areas that stand proud can be easily trimmed with a decent block plane. Just make sure your nails are recessed where you have to plane so you don't knock your blade.
Mike Hawkins:smile:

 

[simeltzer]

Thanks mike (and everyone) for the advice.

 

[seephor]

I ran into this problem when I ripped out my interior doors and purchased pre-hung doors from the big box stores. All of the pre-hung doors they sell come with 4 1/2" jambs which work fine for newer homes build after the 70s that come with 1/2" drywall.

My home built in the early 60's has drywall/plaster hybrid walls and these measure roughly 7/8" thick which means I needed jambs roughly 5 1/2".

The easiest approach if budget is not a question is to order pre-hung doors with the correct jamb size. These doors will be roughly $60-100 more than the ones you find in stock. This is sometimes a difficult pill to swallow knowing that it's going to cost you $1000 more for jambs that are an inch wider.

I was determined to find a more cost effective approach at the expense of my time and labor as that is something a DIYer has a lot of.

First, I disassembled the jambs and cut about 1/8" off the non-hing side to remove the factory radius and the primer leaving raw wood.

I then purchased a couple 4 1/2" non primed jamb kits and cut them to width. next, I used a 1/8" roundover bit in my router to cut a radius on my cut strips to match the existing jamb radius.

I then glued and finish nailed the extensions onto the jamb. I used two pieces of plywood to clamp them before nailing so they're flush with the existing jamb.

After the glue dried, I sanded them down with a block sander to make them absolutely flush, applied a light layer of joint compound and finished with a light sanding. primed, painted, reassembled the jamb and hung.

Was it a lot of work? kind of but if you have all your jambs apart and do all the steps in order, it's not so bad. Of course you need a table saw, router with correct bit, nailgun and clamps.

What you don't want to do is slap on a piece of wood over the primed jamb and fill the gap with joint compound or else 100% chance it will crack (I know because I tried). Another option is to use a filler piece after the door has been hung and "step" it back about 3/16" and then caulk the seam. I didn't want to use this approach as I don't particularly like the look. Good luck.

 

[PQSframers]

I would just set it like you would set any other door, then take the door stop off and reinstall it with your door shut tight up against the door.

 

[simeltzer]

You get my problem exactly seephor and your advice seems pretty good. Thanks.