I decided it’s finally time to add a door to the theater. The basement isn’t really designed for a door there so it’s been an engineering feat to make it happen. Tonight I finally figured out the easiest and most efficient way to do it, and went for it. I’ve now got the roughed in frame for a 32” doorway.
I had to start by adding a scab board inside the boxed in area for the kitchen drain. That was fun with a borescope and some creativity.
I removed the finished end cap of the drywall by the stairs and opened it up to the 2×4 stud.
I put in as much of a header as I could with limited space.
Then I framed the upper part of the doorway for the mini wall.
I needed a way to attach to the concrete foundation rather than loose drywall for the hinge area. This was my “ah ha” moment tonight. I cut into the drywall and made holes for 2×4 scab boards and attached them with concrete fasteners to the foundation wall.
Now I’ve got a way to attach the other side of the doorway. One more cut, and some plywood shims and now the doorway rough opening is almost exactly 34”, plenty of space for a 32” door.
I got a piece of drywall from Corina and Cruz, cut it to size and installed it. I used styrofoam in the header, and spray foam in the pillars to somewhat sound-proof the wall.
I got door jamb installed and a second hand door.
We decided to stain it an Ebony color and then I finished it with 3 coats of polyurethane, an overall sand with 360 grit sandpaper and one final coat. This is the first side. Time to flip it and finish polyurethane on the other side
I got it back on the hinges. Then it’s time to finish painting the wall once we decided on final colors.
Then I started painting the door jamb and moulding.
I got the door stop and casing installed. It looks good!
What a difference it’s made!!