How to Go About Boarding Up a Doorway

Boarding up a doorway provides measurable protection against wind, rain and debris. The most important thing is to evaluate the situation and employ the right materials and techniques.

To start, clear away obstructions and prepare the area to allow boarding. If necessary, add braces made of metal to give you more stability. Apply caulk to increase security and to close any gaps.

Find the Doorway

The first step of boarding the doorway is to measure the opening. To ensure that you have enough material to construct a sturdy barrier, you'll need to measure the width and height. This measurement should include the frame, jamb and brickmould, if there is one. If you can, you'll also need to remove the trim around the doorway. It is best to have a second person help you pry off the trim with a screwdriver or a pry bar. Wear safety goggles whenever you use a power tool.

Begin by measuring the width of the door frame inside the doorjamb using a tape measure. Take measurements at the top, middle and bottom and take the measurement with the highest value as your door width. The jamb's thickness at three different points. This measurement does not need to include any trim or siding on the exterior side. Finally, take the level and place it on the face of the strike side of the doorjamb. This will ensure that the strike side is level and level.

After you have the doorway measurements, it is time to measure for the new door. If you are buying a pre-hung door the manufacturer has provided the door's nominal dimensions (for example 3 feet wide and 6 foot 8 inches tall). You should take these measurements at multiple places on the frame - particularly older doors, as they may not be a perfect rectangle. If the numbers differ then use the smallest number to determine your measurements.

If you are modifying an existing doorway in order to make room for an entirely new door, the steps are similar. You'll need to determine the width and height of the opening within the jambs. Take the height from the floor all the way to the top of frame. For the width, you will need to remove any trim and casing around the doorjamb. Once you have the measurements you can determine the size of door you need to buy.

Cut the Plywood

Cutting plywood is a difficult and time-consuming task. To ensure that your cuts are precise it is essential to use the right tools and adhere to the basic rules. To protect yourself against injuries, you must use the appropriate safety precautions.

Begin by measuring the size of the window that you want to board up. Utilize a tape measure and take several measurements to verify the accuracy. Once you have the measurement in hand, use a circular or jigsaw for cutting the plywood. Choose a blade that has fine teeth and fix it to the surface you are working on to get the most efficient results.

Plywood is an affordable material that offers a fast and efficient method of securing your property in the case of a civil emergency. However, it will warp and delaminate over time, making it less efficient than steel boarding in terms of security. It is therefore recommended to purchase high-quality plywood boards and keep them in a secure dry location until they are required.

When cutting plywood, you should follow the grain of the wood. This will reduce the possibility of the boards breaking when used to make a board for a door or window. Be sure to choose a high-quality piece of plywood and to smooth the edges of the sheet down when you're done cutting it.


After you've got the plywood cut to the desired size and you have it cut to size, mark the location where you will be able to attach it to the frame of your door or window. Place the plywood against the window or door and mark the spot where the screws will be placed. This will ensure that the screws are correctly placed for the type of boarding you'll be using.

It is a good practice to clamp a straight edge in place along the cutline you want to follow before you begin cutting. This will limit side-to-side movement that could cause plywood to tear and allow for an accurate, clean cut. After the straight edge is set you can place your circular saw or jigsaw in the same position and slowly move it along the cutting line in order to make your initial cut.

Install the Plywood

Plywood sheets can be easily put in place and can be an economical security measure for homes or commercial properties. However, it's important to take the necessary precautions to ensure a secure and sturdy installation. The right plywood type is crucial for your project. If not properly used, plywood can be prone to warping or delaminating over time. Follow the steps below to avoid these problems when installing plywood sheets.

Make sure the plywood's surface is level, clean, and dry before you begin cutting and nailing. Use a self-leveling compound in the event of imperfections in the surface. Be sure to remove any objects that might fall onto the plywood sheet and cause damage. Install the plywood using nails or screws that are evenly spaced across the surface. After you've finished then cover the screw holes with wood filler to shield them from moisture intrusion and the possibility of rot.

Once repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk and doors are covered with plywood, it's a good idea to install a set of 2"x4" lumber braces around them to give an additional level of support and improve security. This is especially beneficial when your home has lots of glass or doors that are vulnerable to breakage.

Steel security panels are another option to secure windows. They provide an increased level of security and are more durable than plywood. They are also easy to work with and are able to endure extreme weather conditions.

The best method to secure your home is to use a professional boarding service. This service will safeguard your property from burglars or other damages. They can also assist you with the process of reclaiming your property once the threat has passed. You can secure your home if you have all the necessary tools and knowledge. It is essential to cut and measure the plywood prior to a disaster arising. This will avoid the last-minute panic that can result in an unfinished piece of wood. Remember to keep the plywood in a dry and safe location until you are ready to use it.

Secure the Plywood

For the best security, it's recommended to use carriage bolts to secure windows and doors made of plywood. They are available in most hardware stores and they come in different sizes. Install the bolts so that the head is at least the same height as the thickness of the plywood. In addition to the carriage bolts it is recommended to use bracing made of metal or rebar. This will prevent burglars from lifting the plywood and crashing into a window or doorway.

To attach the carriage bolts, first drill holes in the 2"x4" lumber support member, and then attach them with screws. Once the screw is in position, a washer should be placed over each hole to protect the bolt's threads and prevent them from tearing through the wood. The carriage bolts can then be inserted into each hole, and tightened. The nuts and washers should be of a color that blends with the wooden support members.

Skylights can be overlooked when you are boarding up your property but they're an easy entry point for burglars. Skylights should be secured with the same method you use to secure a window or door. Utilizing bolts to stop the boards from being lifted is recommended. A security bar or grill could also be put over the skylight to provide extra protection.

Basement doors are a common entrance point for criminals, so it's crucial to ensure they're properly boarded. It's best to make the boards thicker and put in bolts to prevent them from being taken off or removed. A steel security grill is recommended for the basement's door to prevent it being opened.

The process of boarding up a home isn't an easy task, but it's one that's vital to ensure the security of your family and neighbors. By following the tips in this article, you will be able to install flush door plywood with ease and protect your home from burglars.