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rjsfocus

Prehung Door Problems

18 years ago

I purchased a prehung door for my house yesterday, taking time to do the measurements. It fits fine, and I'm confident in how to install it. However, the door jamb is too thin. Every door I saw in the store was at 4 9/16", standard size. While some of the doors in my house are this size, the two bedroom doors I wish to replace are around 3 1/2". Through Lowes, I got a quote for a door this size and it is about twice as much, plus it will take a month to arrive. Is there a good site or store that I can get this size door, or can I simply take a circular saw and trim off the extra inch?

Comments (5)

  • 18 years ago

    rjsfocus,
    Exactly. Slide in your circular T square and rip 1" off the jamb legs and head - sand smooth.
    Remember, cut the side of the jamb opposite the hinges and keeper.

    If you have a table saw, its' even easier.
    Custom size doors or jambs are rediculously priced and if you are capable of doing it yourself, do it.

    All the best,

    The PorchGuy

  • 18 years ago

    my sisters house had the same problem .the walls were hardcoated so 4-9/16" wasent enough..we used an adjustable door ..its a complete pre-hung .. think they came from a builder surplus...the jamb is split in 2 ... 1 piece sliding into the hinge side..they are adjustable from 3.5" to 4-7/8". if there not to pricey that will be the only interior doors i will ever use!!!ive used them before a long time ago but have no clue on the price now.. nothin is ever plumb and true so this gives u slack to play with...i ended up puting them in since she fired the contractor!!! but i will tell u 1 thing , she didnt fire him for buy'n pricey materials!!!!
    hope it helps.. Scott

  • 18 years ago

    If you dont want to cut the jamb down, which is pretty difficult for even an experienced tradesperson w/o pullin the jamb apart, another avenue is to center the jamb in the opening. You will have about 1/2" sticking out each side. When you go to install the casing, get some 1/2" x 1/2 or 3/4" moulding to fill the void at the outside of the casing. If your casing is paint grade, fill and caulk at the sides where the 1/2" meets the casing w/ light sanding, you'll never see it and will only look like a heavier casing was used at the sides.

  • 18 years ago

    Yes sierraest that definitely another way to do it. FIll in behind the outside edge of the casings with parting strip 3/4 x 1/2.

    GOod Luck

    All the best,

    The PorchGuy

    Here is a link that might be useful: My Album

  • 18 years ago

    Awesome porch work, PorchGuy! Great album!