HOW TO REFRAME A DOORWAY

1. Take off the existing shed door by removing the hinge screws with a cordless drill. Then use a pry bar to pull off any interior or exterior trim.

2. Install new studs to the left and right of the existing opening, placing them each 25 mm wider than the width of the new door frame (A).

3. Cut and install a new header at least 12 mm taller than the new door frame (B). The extra space helps you adjust and shim the new door to ensure it’s plumb.

4. Use a circular saw and reciprocating saw to remove any siding, sheathing, and studs within the studs and header that you just installed (C). Also cut out the sole plate running along the bottom of the newly expanded doorway.

5. Run a bead of silicone sealant along the bottom of the doorway opening; it’ll prevent air and windblown rain from seeping under the new door.

6. Set the new pre-hung door into the opening from the outside (D), check it for plumb with a 1 m level on all sides, then tap shims between the door frame and rough opening. Place shims at and opposite each hinge ( E ). Tap in the shims just tight enough to hold the door in place. If you pound the shims too vigorously, you might end up bowing the door frame.

7. Secure the door by screwing through its casing trim and into the wall studs

(F). Use 8 mm galvanised decking screws, space them about 30 cm apart, and drive them through the wooden trim on the sides and top of the door.

8. Trim the shims flush to the door frame with a finetooth handsaw, and neaten with sandpaper if needed.

9. Reinstall any interior and exterior trim, and install a new lockset.