How to Build a Custom Door Jamb (and Hang Your Salvage Doors!!)

Hey Gang! Today's video is all about Salvage Doors and custom door Jambs! We love salvage furniture and would love to start seeing it in more homes! Unfortunately, we don't see Salvage Furniture too often, and we think that might be because people just simply don't know how to tackle a task like this! We're excited to bring this video to you and hopefully it can help a few people out there put a piece they've fallen in love with. Thanks for watching and we'll see ya in the next one!

PO BOX
7516 Bluebonnet Blvd box number 439
Baton Rouge, LA 70810

[brianwinger]

I think at least half of the views on this video are from me preparing to do this exact job. I searched forever looking for a video explaining how to make a jamb for double doors. This was perfect. I followed every step and it was easy. You guys nailed it.

[downriverjordan]

My Notes:

- If an old door -- ensure the depth of the hinges on the door is the same as the hinges. Make a shim to compensate if necessary

**Make a mini jamb (a jig/template)**

- Measure height of door, add ½”, use a 1x2.
- This gives you enough to add the reveal at the top and floor gap at bottom.
- Screw in hinges in door; pilot hole and screw into jig.
- Take out hinge pins; use jig with hinges to bring to actual jamb — to transfer hinge locations.
- label the jig (left or right)
- Go to door opening and check for level.
- Whatever the gap is on left or right, measure the height difference and ADD that to the actual jamb height.

**Cut Side jambs**

- If necessary, add measurement of gap from level difference to one of the jambs
- Add 3/4” to each side jamb; to compensate for head jamb.
- Route the rabbet joint at top of side jambs
- Standard side jambs at 4 9/16” — rip wood to that width for standard 2x4 construction if your wood is wider. OR to whatever width your door opening is.
- Sand your edges (it might be sharp!)

**Transfer Jig to Side Jamb**

- Line up the top of the jig with the bottom of the rabbet (where the head jamb will sit) — we’ve already compensated for the door reveal.
- Mark the hinges on the jamb with a utility knife
- Line them up with the FACTORY ROUND OVER (mark the hinge side with an X or arrow — this is where you will make your mortise).

**Making your mortise (for the hinges on the side jamb)**

- Determine how much hinge leaf is mortised into the door by measuring the depth from the face of the door to the back of the hinge. (e.g., 1” or 1 1/8”)
- Make the SAME SIZE mortise on your side jambs — this ensures the face of the door jamb is even with the face of the door
- Set your square to that depth. Mark the lines with a utility knife between your hinge marks.
- Set depth of router the depth of the hinges (e.g., 1/8”).
- Use your square to set the height of hinge.
- Unplug router, bring square over to your router and match router depth
- Use a sharp chisel to finesse the edges for the mortise for the hinges to sit perfectly in place.

**Finishing up!**

- Install hinges in doors and jambs, line it all up, and put in hinge pins!
- Cut head jamb
- Double check width, cut to length, and screw it in (pilot first)
- It should look like a pre-hung door right now!
- Set door in place
- Add shims in sides at the top (locking door in place)
- Add shims all around to perfect the reveals and evenness
- Cut off shims
- Door stops
- cut to length
- use finishing nailer to install — ensure doors sit and close nicely :)

[mrsyvonnenlee]

Who had the AUDACITY to thumbs down this video! Stud Pack is one of the most humble, knowledgeable, tradesman on YouTube. I consistently am amazed at the way he dispenses these priceless gems from his profund well of knowledge, all while teaching without being obnoxious. He delivers his message with the pride and dignity that only comes from truly being a humble person. What a pleasure it is to learn from you! I keep saying how much I love this guy and he never disappoints! Thank you again for helping me to demystify a current issue I was dealing with! You are one of the best in your field for sure! Louisiana is privileged to have you serve them with your love for the craft and dedication to the service you provide! Again. Bravo!

[mikemarino]

Guys, it's so refreshing and impressive to see the level of detail and care you put into a project. The real skill here is the dedication to follow the true process of going slow, paying attention to detail, and prepping your projects. I always love watching you fellas work. Appreciate all that you do!

[nickorsini]

Man, you guys crushed this tutorial. I've been looking for a door jamb transfer jig and couldn't think of a way to fab my own. I have to build and hang a custom crawl space door and jamb and have complete confidence after seeing this vid. Thanks again and please keep up the quality content, boys!

[bjeno]

This crew is a tribute to handyman everywhere. Tricks of the trade given in a entertaining manner, love it.

[milesharlan]

A shout put to Jamie Perkins of Perkins Builder Brothers with the old school rounding off the edge with hand plane!!!

[TheExcellentLaborer]

I used to install doors for a living. There are so many doors we threw away we could’ve done this with. Thanks a lot for sharing stud pack! OK now I got to get back to laboring.

[RetrieverTrainingAlone]

10:21 Rabbet the top of both side jambs
10:58 Rip jamb material to 4 9/16 inch for 2X4 walls
11:15 Round over the face edges of each jamb
12:50 Scribe hinge locations for mortises on side jamb
13:40 Use router and wood chistle to cut out hinge mortises
15:48 Install hinges on door and on jamb
16:00 Install hinge pins to join the door and door jamb together
16:30 Cut and install head jamb
17:45 Level and shim to install with perfect reveal
19:20 Cut and install door stop strips

[WalkRobotFilm]

We are an overstock, salvage door shop and make our prehungs by hand and I love watching other guys doing the same thing. I love salvage stuff!

[wescooper]

For small plugs (like screw holes, etc.), I keep a large box of Diamond kitchen matches close by. They're cheap, don't require much storage and are usually available at Dollar General.

[madebylife]

Great work guys and awesome tips! Your son with his camera and editing skills is setting y'all up for your own DIY Network show! He really does have a gift behind the camera. You have a gift of gab and transferring your knowledge seamlessly and genuinely. Carry on

[GarrisonFall]

You guys have a very good teaching style, including the occasional questions. Reading a book is good but seeing things done - and explained like you do - makes a BIG difference. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[rickbarber]

Nice, I really like that clever hinge transfer gig. Awesome!
A paint stick is the perfect hinge shim, one gallon ones thinner, 5 gallon ones thicker. They are free at HD.

[theothermarshal]

Great job! Thanks for sharing consistently high quality content. I made jambs for 3 doors in my home reno and hung antique doors in 2 of them. I have to say there is just nothing like the feel of a well hung solid door. The sound they make when hardware engages is too good for words to describe.

[jeffreylucas]

Love this idea! I have done home restorations for many years and have mounted many nice old doors.... Just BE AWARE many old salvage elements have LEAD PAINT . Anything before 1978.

[slateberry]

I didn't know what a VIX bit was until I saw you use one at 4:40. THANK YOU! Just ordered some. No more trying to use a nail punch to start a drill bit centered and hope for the best...which usually doesn't happen. Game changer.

[abladd]

Thank you for showing how to build everything you need to install a salvaged door! I also use salvaged hinges & other hardware too.

I love using salvaged materials & this is a great way to show how to use them even in newer homes.

[jenniferwall]

This is by far the best video, on retrofitting a door and making the door jamb, out there. I really appreciated the step-by-step and the jig for the hinges. I now feel completely confident I can take on the door installation I have been putting off. Thanks.

[KristiSage]

These are my favorite DIY videos to watch! Super helpful and knowledgeable in so many area's I can't thank you guys enough!