How to build a french door jamb?
Question:I have a pair of french doors with no Door Jamb...anyone have suggestions on how to build one?
Answers:
This question just breeds more questions. Interior or exterior? Does one panel have an astrical? How will the doors "latch"? How thick is the wall you intend to install the unit? Are the panels already handed? What size are the panels? What composition are the panels? If exterior, do they have sweeps attached? (Please stop me!!)
If I recall, Lowes carries 8 ft exterior jambs. If so they are probably 4 and 9/16 thick.
The easiest way to get through the whole thing is to screw a 1x2 on the top and bottom of the slabs aligning them as flat as possible with a little more than an 1/8th gap between them.
Now you can get a little more accurate measure for the head. which should be the width plus 1/4 inch. this should also be the threshold measurement.
Forgot to add, it`s going to be pretty simple if the slabs are laying on a table that allows all edges to hang over.
Now remove the top 1x2 and screw the head jamb to the top using a few 1/8th inch spacers,it extend past each edge an 1/8th.
Now you can do the same thing to the side jambs.( hopefully they`ll have a top rabitt,if so make sure you have a right and a left) Best to remove any hinge butts and screw the side jambs through these areas. (spacing at these points is`nt critical at this time).
The hinge locations can be transfered to the jamb at this time. Just a pencil point at the top and bottom of each mortise in the slabs. ( Later they will be mortised at 1 1/2 inch backset)
Forgot to mention you can screw the head and sides together.
Now the threshold. If possible purchase an adjustable. This will give you a little bite of leaway when installing.
Adjust the threshold all the way down. Remove the bottom 1x2. hold the threshold against the side jambs just off the botoms of the sweeps and transfer the profile of the exterior slope and the bottom of the threshold. This will be your final length and rabit for the threshold.
At this point you can easily disassemble the jamb and do any machining.
Upon reassembly, make sure you apply some caulk where the threshold meets the side jambs. This is always a point of moisture infiltration.
If I`ve thourghly confused you, you can Email me.
Sure, measure the thickness of your wall inclusive of drywall. Add 1/8" to that measurement. Purchase 3/4" thick material by whatever thickness wall you have measured. You will have to purchase something close since boards will not be exact. Run the boards through a table saw at your measurement, 2 side pcs. and 1 top. Then measure your door if your door is 6'-8" tall you will want to cut your 2 side pcs. to 6'-9 1/8", this allows for a 1" space below the door and an 1/8" space between door and jamb. Your top piece will want to be 6'-1 7/8" if you have a pair of 3' doors, so you are basically adding 1-7/8" to the width of both doors, this accounts for the 2 -3/4" side jambs and an 1/8 space between doors and door and jamb. Set your side frame near your door leaving the frame 1/8" above the door and mark your hinges. Then either router the hinge locations out or chisel them out, you will want the hinge to be set in approx. 1/32". Glue and screw your frame together attaching the top to the sides and then you can mount your frame in the opening. Make sure frame is level and plumb using shims etc. Pre drill your screw locations in your frame and attach the doors checking that all reveals line up then you can attach your trim using a miter saw etc
Excellent as the first answer is, I think if you went to Lowes, Home Depot you could pick up an interior jamb set and save yourself some work.
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