Installing doors in metal stud wall

AlwaysAmber · 26-01-2017 3:55pm #1

We have an new attic conversion that uses metal stud walls. I want to install timber doors (approx 30KG weight), but I think the builder has made a f-up with the doorways.

From what I can see online, timber strips should be inserted into the metal U frame of the doorway to give it support and hold the screws. Ours doesn't have this and the U frame is facing in, so it can't be added without taking off the plasterboard.

If I have to, I'll take off some plasterboard to add the timber. I was thinking though, maybe I could use some left over framing to make some brackets that would screw in the side of the frame (one screw through the plasterboard and metal stud frame and a second one into the door frame).

Would these be secure enough to hold the frame and door?

AlwaysAmber · 26-01-2017 3:58pm

Yikes, just noticed I'm posting from work. If the boss is reading, I'm really working and not watching YouTube!

tabby aspreme · 26-01-2017 9:46pm

What width and height is the opening

AlwaysAmber · 27-01-2017 9:56am

There's 2 different door sizes (biggest is 210x90cm) and the openings are snug enough for the door frames (frames come with the door). I was thinking of putting some plywood between the metal frame and door frame, but there's not enough room.

Thinking about it last night, if the frames were wedged tight enough from the bottom that should keep them fairly secure and disperse the stress points from the screws throughout the door frame. The stud wall is 10cm deep and the door frames are the same, so with a solid enough base they shouldn't really go anywhere.

Calahonda52 · 27-01-2017 10:49am

http://www.environ.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-files/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/BuildingStandards/FileDownLoad%2C1657%2Cen.pdf

Is it a 3 storey? Are they fire doors?

If they are you need to comply with the fixing requirement as does the hardware

AlwaysAmber · 27-01-2017 1:31pm

It's a bungalow conversion and the doors are those we were told to use. All the hardware is supplied with the doors, I just need to be able to fix the frame in place securely.

tabby aspreme · 27-01-2017 8:11pm

Tek screws will hold the frame in place, you will have to drill the wood and counter sink for them , then screw them through the steel , they could be hidden behind the door stop slip if you are using one, otherwise if painting fill the holes and paint, a varnished wood finish it would be more difficult as you would need 20 mm plugs to cover the holes as Tek screw heads are quite wide.

Installing doors in metal stud wall

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