DO IT YOURSELF Sheds Part II

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For Door Frame:

Cut two 2 x 4 jack studs to reach from the floor to the top of the rough opening, narrow edges facing out. Rest them on floor in new frame. Cut two 2 x 4s, one to fit atop the sleeper outside of each jack stud, so they reach to the horizontal frame member above. Fasten jack and outer studs together (flat sides facing each other); use four 12d nails or 2 1/2" screws. Fasten paired studs to sleeper and upper horizontal frame member with holedmetal truss plates on both sides Measure a header: two horizontal 2 x 4s (2 x 6s in any structure but a low shed) laid together, on edge with flat sides facing each other, atop ends of jack studs so they fit snugly between the long, outer studs. Trim lower ends of short studs above rough opening so they are the same width as header boards. Fasten header boards together and then to studs using truss plates.

If you are cutting into a standing wall, incorporate the following directions to those above:

Mark and cut rough opening on sheathing using carpenters' level and framing square to assure that the top is horizontal, the sides are vertical, and the corners are 90°. In Step A, place studs at cut edge of sleeper with their inner edges flush to margin of rough cut in sheathing. For Step E2, trim short wall studs above rough by the width of header. After fastening header boards to studs, fasten them to sheathing every 4".

To Build Door:

The door is hinged to the outside of the building. Planks are cut to length and tacked to sheathing. The door is framed in place working through the door opening.

Attach frame boards to planks with fasteners inserted from the inside-out, and attach externally mounted hardware with unremovable one-way screws or lock nuts. This will keep your eight-year-old (or others) from disassembling the door and taking the lawn tractor for a joy ride.

Steps for construction:

A. Select enough vertical door boards so their combined width would fill the rough opening, plus at least 5" from side to side. They should be at least 3" longer than the rough is high.

Trim ends square and so they are 2" longer than rough opening is high. Trim outer long edges of the two side boards equally so the total breadth of door is 4" wider than the rough.

B. Tack a length of 2 x 4 to the floor inside rough opening, front edge even with edge of floor. This will serve as a support cleat to hold bottom of door boards.

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