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How to Frame Rough Openings

10 articles and videos to help you ensure your walls are ready for installing windows and doors.

You can’t complete a top-notch window or door installation if the openings in your walls aren’t straight, square, and sized correctly. This collection of Fine Homebuilding articles and videos is full of professional tips and techniques that will help you get these crucial construction details right.

How-To 1

Not-So-Rough Openings
Framing exterior openings precisely will make installing the windows and doors a breeze.
How-To 2

How to Lay Out and Frame a Rough Opening for a Door
In this video, Scott Grice shares his method for laying out and framing rough door openings efficiently.
How-To 3

Simple Steps for Window- and Door-Framing Layout
Learn a few measuring shortcuts that make accurate rough-opening layouts a snap.
How-To 4

How to Frame a Door Opening
Follow this step-by-step procedure for an interior door opening.
How-To 5

Frame a Door Rough Opening
A pro carpenter teaches you his 3 simple rules for framing door rough openings efficiently.
How-To 6

The Right Header for Every Wall
Several code-approved options beyond the standard double 2x12 save material and energy.
How-To 7

Framing a Strong Garage-Door Opening
Site-built shear walls help a building with large openings to stand up to high winds.
How-To 8

How to Install Doors in Thick Walls
Superinsulated walls make it challenging to install standard-size door jambs and sills. Energy-efficient-home designer Michael Maines offers some workable solutions.
How-To 9

Windows in Thick Walls
Thick-wall assemblies offer better comfort and energy efficiency, but installing windows presents a challenge for builders.
10

An Alternative to Wood Window Bucks
ThermalBuck makes window installations over exterior insulation sturdy and energy efficient by replacing wood with high-density expanded polystyrene foam extrusions.

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Windows & Doors

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