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How to Go About Boarding Up a Door The act of boarding up a door is one method of protecting vacant investment properties from the elements. Although boarding up windows isn't able to be able to prevent all damage, it can reduce some of the problems that can arise from severe storms. The boarding up of windows and doors can also deter burglars and vandals. However it can be costly and time-consuming to put plywood boards over the openings of a property. Take a measurement of the door The first thing you'll require is tape measure. You may also want to keep a ladder or chair handy in case you need to get a better look at the top of the frame. Wear gloves and goggles when you use these tools. Start by taking measurements of the length of the door. This can be done by running the tape horizontally across the door. Be sure to eliminate any additional door parts, such as the door sweep, from this measurement. Then, take a measurement of the height by measuring from the floor up to the sill or the lintel. It is essential to take measurements in multiple locations, particularly when measuring older doors as they may not have the perfect rectangular shape. If the measurements vary, use the largest figure. You'll have to determine the size of the frame after having determined the length and width. Ideally it should be 2'' larger than the door and 1 2'' higher. This will allow you enough room to shim both the door and frame into place. When you're ready to take the door frame's width and height measurements It's best to take out any trim or casing from around the door jambs so that you can see the studs that are behind them. This will let you determine the exact distance between the studs of the frame and the edge. After you've removed your trim, you can measure the width of the frame of your door by running the tape across the entire frame in three locations and using the smallest measurement to determine your door's width. It is also important to determine the height of the frame from top to bottom on both sides. Choose the shortest measurement for your door's width. If you're having difficulty with the measurements, you should consult a professional to come to your home and do the measurements. They'll be able give you the exact type and size of door you need and how to prepare the frame to accommodate a new door. Cut the Plywood A door frame is typically comprised of thin boards or studs that create an open space around the door. Two hinges are connected to the studs and hold the door in place. If you are looking to finish a door, you will have to take it off its hinges overnight. To stop insects from entering your home and to secure the door's opening, a simple method of boarding a door involves placing plywood into the opening. This is a simple process without the need to screw or nail the plywood to the door frame. Plywood is easy to work with, inexpensive and looks beautiful once finished. It is the ideal material to use as a temporary solution for a problem where you need to remove the door you have in place to finish it or build a new one. It can also be used to protect the opening of a room that is being renovated, such as a basement or construction site. Start by measuring the width of the door opening and the height. Mark the measurements on the plywood with a utility knife and a drywall square or other straight edge made of metal. Then, you can snap an outline of chalk across each line to indicate where you want to cut. Then utilize a circular saw to cut out the plywood to size. It is crucial to protect your ears and eyes while cutting plywood. If possible wear safety goggles and earplugs when working. It is also essential to use a blade with lots of teeth which will allow you to cut quickly and with little tear-out. Use a small piece of wood to guide the blade. Hold it about a hair's distance from the marked line when cutting. An effective way to hold the plywood in place without fixing it to the studs is to attach braces that are short at each end. Put one brace inside and the other outside of the door. Install a deck screws in each hole and then tighten using an open-end ratchet. Secure the Plywood It's time to attach the frame to the panel after you have the wood sheet cut to the right dimensions and the holes for the rails and stiles of the door frame have been predrilled. This is a straightforward project that doesn't require advanced carpentry skills as long as you use the right tools and follow the right procedure. Set up a table in the doorway with two sawhorses at each end, as well as framing 2x4s. Lay the full sheet of plywood flat on top the sawhorses, using the marks from the measurement process to guide you for cutting. Score the lines with a utility knife and a drywall square or another metal straight edge. This will act as a guide to the saw blade, and also prevent splintering of plywood when cutting it. Wear eye protection and use a circular table saw equipped with a fine-toothed blade cut along the line of scoring. Then sand the edges the plywood panel using 120-grit sandpaper. This will smooth out the panels and remove any burrs from the saw cuts. After sanding apply a wood sealer and let it dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Install the hinges on the door frame. If you're using a T hinge, drill holes through the exterior of the door for the strap portions of the hinges. Then, place the hinge's outside on its spot and attach it onto the frame using the help of a screw gun. Repeat the process for each hinge on the inside of your door. Be careful not to overtighten them, or the panel could shift. If you have a single T-hinged outside door it is possible to make it easier for the latch to close by placing a wire through the loops of the exterior hinges. Fold a small piece of tie wire in half, and then put it through the two holes on the outside of the door. Then, twist the wires to fix the door. Install the Plywood Using the measurements you took using the measurements you took, put the plywood in the door opening. Shim the header (top) of the frame and the sill (bottom). Utilize a level to make sure there's not any slop in the header or sill. If it's not quite right, put another shim where you need it and repeat the process until you have the sill and the header to be in a straight line. Once the plywood is in the frame, fasten it with the stainless steel hinge bolts and wings nuts. Make use of a screwgun that has an attachment for a hex head to avoid stripping off the screws' heads. If your home has studs that run along the length of your doorway, you could drill hanger bolts into each framing member. This is a much easier job than making the hole with a saw for drywall. After putting the plywood in place take measurements of the width and height of your door opening. If necessary, trim your plywood bottom to fit the height of the door frame. Cut two pieces of framing lumber 1 by 6 to serve as braces for the upper and lower edges. Put on eye protection and cut along the lines marked on the plywood with circular saws fitted with a fine-toothed knife. Splinters can be removed from the cuts by using a sanding device. After you have placed the braces after you have positioned them, use two pairs of finishing nails of 2 inches to secure each brace to the plywood. Once you're done counter-sink the heads of all the nails. Seal the braces and the plywood with a high-quality wood sealer, such as this wipe-on polyurethane from Minwax. If the door is too large You can either put in decorative molding to fill the space between your door and jamb or you can resize your opening. In most instances, however, it is cheaper and easier to simply buy an entirely new door. This will also take away any issues you may have experienced with the door you originally purchased if it was damaged and didn't fit for the opening.