New Door in existing wall

[xxtinct]

Does anyone have suggestions on how to frame a new interior door in an existing wall? Will steps be different if the wall is load bearing or not. Should a laminated 2x12 header be used if it is a load bearing. If not are cripple studs sufficient?

thanks

[Cole]

Yes the steps are different if the wall is load bearing.

Is the wall load bearing?

[xxtinct]

I dont believe so, but we will verify that before we start removing studs.

[Cole]

ok, if you have any other questions let us know.

[Zatol]

Just frame it as if it were load bearing and don't worry about it... Install a header over the rough opening with cripple studs coming down from the top plate, resting (bearing) on the top of the header.. Make your header wide enough so that you can have two jack studs sitting under each side of the header... Typically, the header is made out of two 2x10 members with 1/2" plywood sandwiched in between to make the header as thick as the studs in your wall. (3.5")... Have fun..

[xxtinct]

Zatol, Do you recommend any type of temporary support between the time that the studs (that would be in the door opening) are cut and header is put in place? Assuming that the king studs and jack studs are in place prior to cutting studs that would be in the opening of the door. Thanks.

[Cole]

Just frame it as if it were load bearing and don't worry about it... Install a header over the rough opening with cripple studs coming down from the top plate, resting (bearing) on the top of the header.. Make your header wide enough so that you can have two jack studs sitting under each side of the header... Typically, the header is made out of two 2x10 members with 1/2" plywood sandwiched in between to make the header as thick as the studs in your wall. (3.5")... Have fun..

Sure just go rip all the studs u want out.

See what happens.

[Zatol]

xxtinct.. I don't think that removing 2-3 studs temporarily while you frame in the door is going to be a problem. Just try to get in framed up within a day.

Cole, I have no idea what the meaning of your post is...

[Cole]

He asked if the framing would be different if the wall is load bearing and yes it is different.

When a wall is load bearing you just cant go start taking studs out wherever you want.

I dont know, Im just got a little worried because we do have a bunch of homeowner diy's here.

[xxtinct]

Thanks that is what I was looking for. The header will be framed in at the same time. I was just concerned if it needed temporary support. Thanks for the information

[Sparks]

I'm not a professional carpenter but I would strongly recommend temporary support, you'll see what I mean when your sawzall starts binding when you're removing the studs. Usually a sign that there's a load on the wall.

[xxtinct]

Sparks, how would you install the temporary support so that it is not in the way of the door opening and the header?

[Cole]

Its doesnt have to be in the door opening, what size door are you installing?

[Sparks]

There's really a number of ways to accomplish temporary support. Could be a floor jack with a 4x4 on one side and a 2x4 with a screw jack on the other. Or could just a couple 2 bys cut to size and formed in a T, just make sure it's out of your way and it's actually supporting the wall's load. You'll have to wedge the 2 by tight, just don't overkill. You must know by now if it's load bearing or not, don't ya? All exterior walls are and interior walls running perpendicular to the floor joists sometimes are bearing walls. Check the basement, load bearing walls usually have a girder underneath them supporting them and a shallow footer( won't be able to see this) poured to take the load. Cole will correct me if I missed something.

[xxtinct]

The door opening will be 30 inch, so the frame opening will be 32".

[Cole]

Run 2 T's on both sides of the opening or 2 2x4's with car jacks on both sides.

[11chaos]

It wouldn't hurt to place some support beside the work going in. Build a small temp support wall beside the doorway. Better to be safe. That way if you get tied up doing something else at the same time. Meaning dealing with a Sub or the wife you can just go about your business and have no worries.