How to Rebuild a Closet Opening

2: Making a Custom Door Opening

This will be part of a longer post on How to Build a Custom Door Opening. Here is a shorter version of what you need to know if you are not in the mood to read a detailed post.

Step 1: Figure Out Door Opening Size

This may seem straightforward but it requires you to know the end from the beginning. This is an advance carpentry task, so it’s important to know how door frames are created, why they are the way that they are and the tools you’ll need for the job. At minimum you’ll need several 2x4s, a level and a framing nailer.

Before cutting anything, determine the rough opening size for your door (s):

• Standard rough opening = Door width + 2 inches, Door height + 2 inches
• Example: A 30-inch by 80-inch door needs a 32-inch by 82-inch rough opening
• The extra space accounts for the door frame and shims to level the door.

Step 2: Cut & Install the King Studs

Step 3: Add the Header

Step 4: Install the Jack Studs

Step 5: Add the Cripple Studs (If Needed)

Step 6: Check for Level & Secure

Step 7: Prepare for Installation

For my closet I want tall doors and not have to have any framing in between. My current height is 93in and width is 138in. I want to custom make the doors, so the doors I need will be 91in and to fill the closet width either 4 doors @34.5 or 5 doors at 27.6, unless I can find off the shelf doors to fit. the size. (Spoiler: I found Ikea doors that would Fit and Re-framed my doors, Read all about it soon)

3: Adding trim

Next, we added trim to the inside of the closet. This is pretty straightforward. I did very simple trim with butt joints, no fancy miters, nothing fancy at all just cheap MDF 1x4s I got at a liquidation seller. Honestly, no one is going to go in the closet and say…oh wow you really went cheap in the trim in here…no one really looks at the details in the closet. The trim inside and outside serve as a way to hold the door jamb in place.

4: Adding shelves to the Container Store Avera closet

This will be a separate “how to” on the blog but this is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. I called the Container Store, had them update my Closet master file and ordered the extra hardware. There was a bit of confusion at first about shipping and who would be installing it. At first there was an automatic minimum shipping change…that only makes sense if you’re shipping freight items, but in the end they were able to remove it; they even offered free help installing it! Honestly, it’s a simple upgrade that any once can do. Best of all, it does not void your warranty as along as they approve of it!

The Reveal

Finally, here is the closet now! I still have to move all my clothes back in, organize them and add trim on the outside. However, its progress! Stay tuned for the final reveal in Week 8; I may even do a fashion show to see what still fits, I have a lot of clothes and it’s time for a cull.

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