Framing a Pre-hung Interior Door

On the ceiling, snap a chalk line to indicate where the top plate of the new wall will be installed. Cut the material for the top plate to length, then nail the top plate through the ceiling into the ceiling joists or blocking.

Use a plumb bob to mark the floor where the sole plate will be installed. Nail the sole plate to the floor, driving the nails into the floor joists or blocking. Remember, don't nail the sole plate to the floor between the jack stud locations because this portion of the plate will be removed before the door is installed.

Measure and cut the king studs, and position them at the markings. Drive nails at a 45-degree angle to make a toenailed joint, or you can attach the studs with metal connectors.

Measure the length of the jack studs to 80 7/8 inches. Mark and cut them to size.

Make a header by sandwiching two 2x4s around a 1/2-inch piece of plywood. Cut the header to fit between the king studs. Install a cripple stud between the header and the top plate, halfway between the king studs. Toenail the cripple stud to the top plate and the side of the header.

Position the jack studs against the inside of the king studs, and nail them in place. Nail through the king studs into the header.