How to Install a Steel Door in Drywall: All You Need To Know
When you are installing a steel door that will be surrounded by drywall it is important to know that the door frame, must be installed into the metal wall foundation prior to installing any drywall.
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You can use a welded metal frame made of hollow tubing for your door frame. You can also use a knockdown drywall frame. The knockdown drywall frame uses anchors that are set into countersunk holes to hold the metal frame in place.
The knockdown frame is specifically fashioned so that the drywall will wrap around the frame and hide it completely.
Welding a Hollow Frame
Welding is performed on the hollow steel frame to create a sturdy, seamless frame. The welding must be done prior to the drywall installation. To get the best results from your welding you should:
Hang the Drywall
When you are attaching drywall to metal studs it is recommended that you hang the full sheets of the drywall vertically rather than horizontally. You should also have metal tapping screws to hold the drywall in place.
There are specialty metal tapping screws that are designed to use when hanging drywall to metal frames. You can, however, use common drywall screws to do this job.
Prior to hanging the wall covering you must secure the metal wall frame at both the top and the bottom. You do not want the framing to move after you have installed the wallboard.
You should hang the drywall in the ceiling before you start to hang it on the walls, or around the door openings.
You want to install the drywall pieces up to a rough door opening. That means that the framing for the door will be in place, but the door jamb will not be in place.
Install the door jam
When the drywall is in place you are ready to install the door jam. Position the jam in the opening. You will need to put the door on the jam and try opening and closing the door.
Adjust the jam using shims of wood and moving the jam slightly in or out of the opening. When the door opens and closes easily you are ready to screw off the jam in a permanent position.
Once your door-jam is positioned properly you will use trim boards to surround the door and cover any gaps that might exist between the drywall and the door jam. You will want to finish the drywall by taping and floating it, and then paint it, prior to installing your door trim.
Final Thoughts
Installing a steel door in drywall encased opening is not much different from installing a wooden door in a drywall encased opening. The steel door may even be lighter than a traditional wooden door.
Take your time and measure twice before making any cuts.
