I know what it’s like to have to replace a garage door frame in a pole barn. It takes effort and patience. And if not done correctly, the new door will swing easily and you may have to troubleshoot your new garage door.
Having a new garage door installed in your pole barn will require you to do some proper framing. The framing will allow you to fix parts like a track and a spring to the new garage door.
If you don’t frame a garage door in a pole barn correctly, the door will get damaged due to issues like misaligned doorplates.
Sometimes, you will need to change your door frames because of rot caused by excess moisture.
Before you can fix the problem, you need the proper tools. You also need to take the correct measurement as the rough opening size is not the same as the size of the finished opening.
How to Frame a Garage Door in a Pole Barn
Things you’ll need:
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
- Circular saw
- Lumber (see below for how to estimate the amount)
- Hammer
- Nails
Step 1: Get What You’ll Need
Gather the tools listed above. Select what material you’d like to use for your door jambs. You can use either lumber or PVC. Whatever material you choose should be long enough for the entire garage door framing.
You’ll need to purchase enough lumber for twice the length of the garage door’s ground-to-roof height. You’ll also need double the size of both sides of the garage door’s rough opening.
You also need additional lumber to be lined with the header’s width and the space between the roof and the header.
Lastly, how thick your lumber is will determine how big the garage’s opening will be after installing the frames.
Once you’re through gathering supplies, you can move on to the next step, which is measuring the garage door rough opening.
Step 2: Take the Measurement of the Rough Opening
The rough opening is the size of the door’s opening before the finished framing is in place. The garage door opening will be a bit larger than the size of the garage door so that there will be enough space for the frame.
The space between the floor of the garage and the header of the rough opening will be 1½ inches more than the height of the new garage door.
The width of the header will be 9 inches more than that of the door. The width of the rough opening will be 3 inches more than that of the door.
Once you have taken down these measurements using your tape, you can then proceed to step 3, which is framing a garage door header.
Step 3: Fix the Jamb Header
The jamb header should go in first so you can fix the side jambs right next to it. Now, measure the header, so it fits the horizontal opening of the garage. This will be the same as the garage door’s length plus an additional nine inches.
Take your lumber jamb and cut it down to the appropriate height. For simple, straight cuts, I recommend a circular saw like this DEWALT 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw* or a miter saw like the DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw*. Make sure your saw can handle the bigger cuts like the jamb header.
Then use your nails and attach them to the jamb header.
Make sure the header is thick enough to cover the gap between the garage door’s height and the rough opening. Once you’ve installed the head jamb, you’re ready for the next step, which is fixing two interior side frames.
Step 4: Fix Interior Side Frames
Two poles of lumber are needed to be used as frames on the garage wall just beside the door’s opening. These wooden frames are usually called “goal posts,” and they attach the tracks of the garage door to the wall.
Measure the height of your garage from the ground to the roof. Use the measurement to cut up two pieces of lumber.
These jambs will match the garage door’s height from the ground to the roof. Once you’re through cutting the jambs, attach them to the inner face of the garage wall using nails. These two side jambs should run up against the head jamb installed earlier.
Step 5: Fix the Side Jambs
Use the new height of your garage door’s opening to cut two pieces of lumber. These jambs will be a little less than your garage door’s height, so they don’t touch the ground. They will touch the bottom of your head jamb.
Once you have put the side jambs in place, attach them firmly using nails. Once you’re finished installing the side jambs, the opening of the door should be the same size as the new door. You should be ready for the last step, which is fixing the center bracket framing.
Step 7: Fix the Center Bracket Framing
Take the tape and measure the space between the roof and the top of the jamb header you just installed. Use the measurement to cut out a piece of lumber, and then center it right above the jamb header.
This will be used to install the center bracket of the garage door’s spring system.
What is the Standard Width of a Garage Door?
Before cutting in a garage door opening in a pole barn, you need to get the right measurements.
There are two common types of garage doors, and their width varies. The first type of garage door is a single garage door.
The standard width for single garage doors is 6.6 feet wide to 10 feet wide. The standard height for single garage doors ranges from 6 feet, 6 inches to 8 feet high.
The second type of garage door is the double garage door. Their width goes from 10 feet, 6 inches wide, to 16 feet wide. The height ranges from 6 feet 6 inches high to 7 feet high.
While there are standard measurements for a garage door, it doesn’t mean they will always work for you. The size of your garage door is affected by three main factors.
Firstly, the local building regulations in your area. Secondly, the design of your garage, and lastly, how wide your garage is. How wide your garage is depends on how many cars you intend to keep.
How Do You Frame a Rough Opening on a Garage Door?
The rough opening should be a bit larger than the size of the door. Measure the height and the width of the door using a tape measure.
Next, add 3 inches to the measurement of the door’s width to get the width of the rough opening. You should consider the thickness of the door jambs you’ll be using.
Once you’re through, move on to the height of the rough opening. Measure from the top of the subfloor to the horizontal framing piece at the top of the door opening. Next, add 1½ inches to the measurement to get the proper height from the rough opening.
The gap should accommodate the jamb and the shims and still leave enough space to allow the door to glide over any obstructions.
If you plan on using a thick carpet, then add 3/8 inch to the rough opening’s height. Use a wider rough opening if your door jambs are thicker than ¾ inches.
In Summary
To install a garage door in a pole barn is simple once you know the right garage door framing instructions. If you buy a factory-made pre-hung door, you’ll need to get the recommended garage door rough opening from the manufacturer.
If you are using a regular door, you’ll need to measure it and add 1½ inch to the height and 3 inches to the width. This way, the space will be big enough to contain the door. It will also be enough to allow the door to glide over the floor without any obstructions.
Usually, a standard single garage door will be about 6.6 feet – 10 feet wide and 6-8 feet wide. A standard double door will be 10 – 16 feet wide and 6-8 feet high.
The ideal garage size will depend on the number of cars you want to keep in the pole barn.
Good luck with your home improvement project. You can always take it another step and install foam board insulation or clad your doors in wood. Hopefully my guides help you along the way.
*Paid Link: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Should you decide to purchase a tool through this link, I will get a small commission. The price of the tool won’t be any different to you.
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