Step By Step Tips On How To Build Your Shed DoorsFrom start to finish building your door for your shed might just be the most difficult task you'll have in its construction. But don't fret with a little planing and before hand knowledge of some tips and techniques the pros use you'll be able to accomplish the task.
One method carpenters use is to build the door into the wall sheathing and frame before standing the walls then cut them out later. I prefer to build them separately as one of the last steps in the sheds construction. However I will discuss both methods and leave it up to you on which one suits you better.One of the most important things to consider when building your shed door is the size you will need to make it. what do you plan on using the shed for? What items will you need to get through that door? Will you be driving riding tractor or a car through that door? I recommend that you go with as large a door as you can, with in reason of course. One way to insure you will have a door large enough for unseen size limitations later on is to build a double swinging door. for this example I will be using the double swinging door frame dimension 8' wide x 6' 5" high.
1. First thing you will need to do is check your opening for its actual dimensions. Use these dimensions to get your door dimension. If you have an opening of 8' wide x 6' 5" high you will be making 2 doors one for the right side and another for the left side. Each door will split the 8' wide x 6' 5" high dimensions minus 1/4" to 1/2" for each door edge except for the center reveal between the right and left door. This gap will allow a little bit of play so the door can swing open and shut freely without sticking I will be using the 1/2" gap for this example.I come up with the dimensions of each door being 3' 11- 1/4" wide and 6' 4" high. I use these measurements and transfer them to my plywood or osb and cut out one for the right door and one for the left door. I now cut out 4 frame boards for each door 8 in total.I use 2"x4" for frame boards. One one for each doors top, bottom and one for each side of the door. The top and bottom frame boards will be the same size as the plywood's width. the 4 side frame boards are going to be the same as the door's plywood height minus 7" for the top and bottom frame boards. Double check to make sure all your cuts are consistent.
2. Second thing to do is attach the frame boards to the plywood cut outs for the door. Start with the top by flushing the frame board to the plywood laying the frame boards flat, nailing or screwing it tightly. Now do the same thing for the bottom frame board to the bottom side. Now attach the side frame boards to each door side flush and tight. If the side boards are a tad too large you can always trim them to size. 3. Now its time to mount your galvanized hinges to the doors. make sure you use 3 heavy duty hinges for each door. This will give the door all the strength it will need. Measure and mount the top and bottom hinge 4" to 6" from the doors top and bottom. Measure and mount the third hinge in the center of the door. One tip a lot of pros use is to discard the manufactures screws and use longer screws for additional strength. 4. Now your ready to hang the two doors onto your shed. because you have a 1/4" or 1/2" gap at the bottom and top of your doors I suggest using a spacer block to help you hold the door steady and level while you screw the hinged doors in place. Take your time and make sure each door is securely installed. Check the doors swing and reveal around each door for consistency.
6. To finish the door off add your door handles and or latch and locks |
