[Grazer]

Hi everyone. My house was built in the mid 60's and has a truss roof with 2x2 wall construction on pretty much all of the interior walls. The previous owner damaged door jamb on one bathroom doors, so the part that covers the gap between the door and the jamb, on the hinge side, is gone. I would like to just replace the whole door with a pre-hung, but the problem is my wall is only 2.5" wide, rather that the normal 4.5" for standard 2X4 walls. I'm wondering if I can just buy a jamb kit from one of the box stores, rip down the jamb material 1" on each side, and the build a pre-hung. Anyone have any experience doing this, or better yet know where I can just order a pre-hung door for a 2x2 wall?

[creahands]

If u order a jamb width from big box store, u will pay premium price for it.

Buy regular pre-hung door. Dismantle and rip to size u need. Angle cut 5 degrees with the high part toward door. This will give better fit for trim. U can use the head of jamb to get angle for cut. Assemble jamb, hang door on it and install in opening. Best to use table saw for this cut.

Chuck

[hkstroud]

Don't think that will work. You can't take anything of the out swing side of the jam. The door is 1 3/8" thick, the distance between the door stop and the edge of the jam is 1 3/8". If you take the full 2" off the other side you will be right up against the door stop. That would work but certainly wouldn't look very nice.

Assuming that you purchase a prehung, split jam door, remove the casing from the side of the jam that the door is not attached to. Rip 1" from the casing. Reattach casing

Rip some 1/2" plywood 1 1/8 " wide. Attach plywood to the back side of the casing, making it flush with the outer edge of the casing. That will make you casing, which is 3/4 thick, 1 1/4" thick. That should make you jams 3 1/2" wide.

Another alternative would be to rip 1/2" off width of jams and use 3/4" plywood behind jams. Use 3/4" quarter round to cover edge of plywood. You could even use 1 1/4" quarter round to cover entire edge of the plywood and casing. Might want to try cove molding to cover edge of plywood, try them all to see which looks best.

I take it that the part that is missing is the door stop on the hinge side. A replacement piece for that should be easily machined. Remove the casing from around the door and replace. Hang a slab door and paint and you will never know the difference. Only difficult part is mortising for the hinges in the new door. The actual cutting of mortises is not difficult but getting them in exactly the right place is.

If you decide to go that route and want suggestions for cutting mortises post back.

[creahands]

Hi Harold

My wrong. Was seeing 2x3 wall, not 2x2. Did not pay attention to post.

What I have done with 2x2 walls. Cut jamb to fit width and use 1/2 by 1 for door stop. Lapping 1/2 by with casing.

Chuck

[hkstroud]

Hi Chuck,


I guess Grazer could do the same thing buy using the split jam, prehung door. Just remove the casing from the split side and put it on the door after the door has been installed. At first I didn't think it would look good but I think I have changed my mind.