How to Install a Door in an Existing Metal Stud-Framed Wall

How to Install a Door in an Existing Metal Stud-Framed Wall
Written By
Chuck Brown
Chuck Brown
Published: May 15, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read
  1. Decide where on your wall you want to install your door. Place your door in its most naturally convenient and functional location in relation to the use of the room. Allow plenty of room for fully opening the door without being limited by another wall or other obstruction.

  2. Metal Is Ideal Construction Material
  3. Measure the door, including its frame, to be installed. Write down your measurement. Measure your wall location from Step 1 so that you account for the total size of the entire opening. Mark the wall lightly with a pencil to match your door and frame measurement. Be prepared to move your location when you find your studs.

  4. Use an electronic stud finder to locate the studs in the wall within your penciled-in location. Mark each stud you find. Move your door location the left or right as needed to center it between 2 or 3 studs. Use a laser level to mark the final location height and width of your door.

  5. Expose Studs to Make Opening
  6. Knock out the sheetrock or dry wall between the metal studs using a hammer. Expose the studs which need to be removed to make room for your door. Remove the exposed studs and install the jam studs. Use your level and mark the height of the rough opening on both your jam studs.

  7. Install your header braces on each jam stud with 4 number 8 metal stud/framing screws on each brace/clip. Set your header into the header braces or clips and attach it using 4 more number 8 framing screws. Use screws (4 per cripple stud) to install your cripple studs 12 inches on center.

  8. Rip a 2 by 4 (to size if you need to) to fit into the track of the new metal frame to create a wood to wood fit for installing your pre-hung door into your opening. Set your pre-hung door and frame into your newly created opening. Tilt it toward yourself, and let the top ease into its opening. Attach the frame to opening, and make adjustments as you repeatedly open and close it.

References

Tips

Check your floor for level and your walls for plumb.

Be precise with your measurements.

Warnings

Use caution with the operation of power tools

Unless you have two or more years construction experience, or have done this before, leave this job to a professional.

Photo Credits

metal studs image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com

steel,construction image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com

construction detail,steel studs image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com

Chuck Brown

Chuck Brown is a freelance writer and former teacher and athletic coach. He has held professional stints as a business owner, personal fitness trainer, curriculum designer, website designer, market trader and real estate investor. Brown…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.