menu

Holder User

Holder User

How to Go About Boarding Up a Door

Protecting investment properties that are vacant from the elements is attainable by putting up a door with a board. While it won't prevent all damage, it can reduce some of the problems that come with severe storms.

The boarding up of windows and doors can also deter burglars and vandals. However it can be costly and time-consuming to install plywood boards over the openings of a property.

Take a measurement of the door

The first thing you'll need is a tape measure. It is also advisable to keep a ladder or chair handy for when you need to get a better look at the top of the frame. Wear gloves and goggles in the event that you need to use these tools.


Begin by measuring the length of the door. This can be done by running the tape horizontally across the door. Be sure to eliminate any extra door parts such as the door sweep, from the measurement. Next, determine the height measurement by measuring from the floor to the current sill plate or lintel. It is essential to take measurements in multiple locations, especially when measuring doors older than they may not be the perfect rectangular shape. If the measurements vary, use the largest figure.

You'll have to determine the dimensions of the frame after having determined the width and height. Ideally, it should be 2'' larger than the door and 1 2'' higher. This will allow plenty of room to put the door and frame to fit.

When you're ready to determine the door frame's size and height measurements, it's recommended to remove any trim or casing from around the door jambs so that you can see the studs behind them. This will allow you determine the exact size of the gap between the studs and the edge of the frame.

After you have removed the trim, measure the width of your door frame using the tape measure. The frame should be measured at three different locations and then use the smallest measurement. You should also measure the height of the frame from the top to bottom on both sides, and use the most compact measurement as your door's height.

If you're having issues with the measurements, you should get a professional to your house and conduct the measuring. They will be able to tell you exactly what type and size of door you need and how to prepare the frame to accommodate the door you want to buy.

Cut the Plywood

A door frame is generally made up of a series thin boards or studs that create a hollow space surrounding the door. A typical door is held in place by two hinges that are fixed to the studs. This means that if you want to refinish the door, it is essential to take the hinges from the door over the course of a few days. To keep insects out of your home and to secure the door opening, a simple method for boarding a door involves placing plywood into the opening. It's easy to do this without having to nail or screw the plywood onto the frame of the door.

Plywood is a breeze to work with, affordable and looks great once it's completed. It is the perfect material to use as a temporary fix for situations where you're required to remove an existing door in order to refinish or install a new one. It can be used to secure the opening of a room that is being renovated, such as the construction site or basement.

To build a wall made of plywood begin by measuring the width and height of the door opening. Make notes using an utility blade and a straight edge of metal like the drywall or metal square. Then, you should snap an outline of chalk across all the marked lines to indicate where you'll need to cut. Utilize a circular saw to cut the plywood to size.

When cutting the plywood it is essential to protect your ears and eyes. If possible wear eye protection and earplugs as you are working. It is also essential to use a sharp blade with lots of teeth which will permit you to cut quickly and without any tear-out. To minimize the chance of cutting pieces of wood from the edges of the cut using a small piece of wood as a template to guide the blade, and hold it just a hair's width away from the mark when cutting.

Fastening a pair of short braces at each end is a good way to secure the plywood in place, without screwing it into the studs. Place one of the braces on the side of the door, and the other on the outside. Position a pair 1-1/2-inch deck screw in each hole, and then tighten using an open-end ratchet.

Fasten the Plywood

Once you have a sheet of plywood cut to the appropriate dimensions and with the holes for the door frame's rails and stiles already drilled, it is time to attach the panel to the door frame. This is a simple project that doesn't require any advanced carpentry skills if you have the right tools and follow the right procedure.

Set up a table near the entrance, with two sawhorses at each end, as well as framing 2x4s. Utilize the marks you made during the measurement procedure to guide you in cutting the plywood. Utilize a utility blade and a straight edge of metal to cut the lines. This will serve as a guide for the saw blade and to prevent splintering during cutting the plywood.

Put on eye protection and cut along the lines of scoring using a circular or table saw fitted with a fine-tooth blade. Then, sand the edges of the plywood panel using 120-grit sandpaper. This will smooth out the panels and remove any burrs from the saw cuts. After sanding the plywood panels apply a wood sealer and let it dry according to the instructions of the manufacturer.

Install the hinges on the door frame. If you're using a T-hinge drill holes in the outer side of your door to accommodate the strap portion of the hinges. Next, position the hinge's outside face on its spot and attach it to the frame with a screw gun. Repeat the process on the inside of the door for each of the hinges remaining, but be careful not to overtighten any of them, or the door will shift.

If you are using a single outside T-hinged door, you can make it easier to lock and close using a chain latch by putting a piece of wire through the loops of the hinges outside. Fold a small piece of connect wires in half and then thread it through the two holes on the outside of the door. Then, twist the wires and secure the door.

Install the Plywood

Based on the measurements you have taken and place the plywood into the door opening. Shim the header (top) of the frame and the sill (bottom). Use boarding up windows to make sure that there is no slop between the sill and the header. If it's not perfect then place another shim if necessary and continue the process until the sill and the header are plumb.

Once the plywood is in place, secure it with the stainless-steel hinge bolts and wingnuts. It is a good idea to make use of a screw gun with an hex-head attachment so that you avoid stripping the head of the screws.

If you live in a house with studs that run along the length of your doorway, you can drill hanger bolts into each framing member. This is much simpler than using a drywall cutting tool to make the hole.

After you have installed the plywood, measure the width and the height of the door opening. If necessary, cut the bottom of the plywood to match the size of the door frame. Cut two pieces of framing lumber to form braces that are positioned across the upper and lower ends of your door. Cut along the lines that are marked on your plywood with circular blades with fine-toothed teeth. Wear eye protection. Splinters can be removed from the cuts using a sanding tool.

Once you have the braces set attach each one to the plywood with a pair of finishing nails that measure 2 inches. Once you're done, counter sink the heads of all the nails. Seal the braces and the plywood with a good wood sealer, like this wipe-on polyurethane by Minwax.

If the door is still too large for your doorway, you could add a piece of decorative molding to fill in the gap between the jamb and the door or reduce the size of the opening. In many instances, however it is less expensive and easier to simply buy the door. This will also take away any issues you may have experienced with the original door if it was damaged and could no suitable for the opening.

Member since: Friday, December 6, 2024

https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/staines-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/

BitsDuJour is for People who Love Software
Every day we review great Mac & PC apps, and get you discounts up to 100%
Follow Us
© Copyright 2026 BitsDuJour LLC. Code & Design. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy