How to fit door jamb on re-plumbed wall?

kingy13

Hi there

im looking to redo the ensuite in our old house and noticed the walls are out of plumb from top to bottom. I am still considering if to cut long wedges to attach to current studs to re-plumb the walls for tiling or to add in additional ‘plumb’ studs to plumb the ensuite wall - I can’t completely rip out and rebuild wall as it is part of a larger wall that backs onto bedroom. 

2 questions I am thinking about

1. Which method above would you advise to plumb the walls in the ensuite to allow for tiling (there is more than one wall out of plumb that will also need to be done).

2. One of the walls that needs to be plumbed has an internal door separating ensuite from bedroom - how would I add door jambs and door to a wall that now may have a shim/wedge plumbing the studs or additional studs for plumbing?

hope this makes sense? 

JacobZ

Hi @kingy13,

Thank you for your question. Please accept my apologies for the delayed response.

I've seen a few different techniques depending on the severity and type of issue they are trying to resolve. The best method will come down to the severity of the issue and there is no real way to give a definitive answer without first exposing the studs.

Packing out and planing the studs is pretty common when carpenters are straightening or plumbing up walls and this is the option I would choose in this instance. Carpenters will often attach these 2052 x 25mm 3mm Masonite Packers to the studs so they are not removing too much timber when planing them. With the masonite attached, they will then use a planer to get them perfect. 

I have also seen new studs attached slightly proud of the old studs for creating a perfectly plumb and straight surface to attach sheets to. This is also an option, but it would not be my first choice.

The door jamb would be installed as normal, ensuring everything is packed out properly and installed plumb and level. Assuming the wall is now plumb on both sides of the opening, then there shouldn't be any difference in the installation method. If needs be, you can always plane the jamb, so it lines up well with the sheet material and the architraves sit perfectly.

The best tip I can offer for this project, especially if you are dealing with old hardwood studs, is to get a quality electric planer with a good amount of power. Corded options will have less trouble, but if you'd like to go with a battery option, look more at the trade-facing brands like Makita, Dewalt, Hikoki and Bosch. I own this Makita 18V Brushless AWS* 82mm Planer DKP181Z, which I can personally vouch for on this kind of project.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob