Installing a split jamb interior door is a project that can be easily accomplished by the average do-it-yourselfer. On a scale of one to five, with five being very difficult, this project is about a two.
Part of the appeal of a split jamb door is that the door casing is already attached to the door jamb. This makes the installation pretty straightforward and simple since the installer does not have to deal with making complicated miter cuts to the casing. To install a pre-hung split jamb door, you will need the following tools and supplies; a pair of safety glasses, a hammer or a pneumatic nailer, finishing nails, a carpenter’s level, handsaw or utility knife, shims and a door handle.
Before you start, remove all packing materials, blocks and nails from the door assembly and separate the jambs. Now place the closed door in the rough opening and center it. Use a level on the hinge side of the casing to align it vertically. Next, tap shims into place between the door jamb and the rough framing to make the jamb plum. To hold the door in place, nail through both the jamb and shims into the wall stud near the top hinge using a finished nail. Do the same for the other hinges.
Check the doors alignment with the level again before continuing around the door jamb installing shims and nails in the same manner. The space between the jamb and door should be the same for the entire length of the unit. Now, trim any shims that protrude from between the jambs and framing to allow the second jamb to be installed. Slide the second jamb in place on the other side of the door opening. Nail through the center of the stop and jamb to secure the second jamb. Align the nails with the ones you installed in the earlier steps to ensure that nails will go through the shims. Nail the casing to the wall. Drive the nail about every sixteen inches. Finally, install the door knob of your choice, and that’s it.
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