What is the most effective method for finishing the area around doors when installing a ceiling, considering using wood or MDF, measuring, cutting, nailing, and using quarter round for gaps?
Asked by Maja Thomsen 
6 months ago
Last Updated: May 15, 2024
What’s the best approach for finishing around these doors? I’m thinking of adding a ceiling later on, but for now, should I just get some wood or MDF, measure carefully, and then cut and nail it in place? Do I need to use quarter round for any gaps? Or are there better materials or methods I should consider?
It appears to be quite a mess. Is there no beam/header above the door? Do you have any pictures from before the foam was added?
I don’t have any photos from before the foam, but you’re correct – there’s no beam or header. Just wood going from the inside to the outside between the ceiling joists.
Hey there, anonymous participant, go ahead and tear that mess out.
That 2×4 won’t be able to hold up whatever is above the door.
Hey , that 2×4 doesn’t even make contact with the joists in a lot of places.
Sorry to the anonymous participant… I have never come across a door that doesn’t have a header and the 2×4 must be connected to something. I’m stepping back.
Is speaking the truth, even though it’s painful.
Yeah, it’s definitely risky with all that weight above the door, it’s bound to cause problems. It might be a good idea to reconsider this upgrade now.
Were there originally no doors there, and material was taken out to accommodate the new doors? Is that correct??
Isn’t entirely sure about the doors, they were already there when I moved in. All I did was build the walls on each side and planned to trim around the door. Your guess might be right. The ceilings aren’t very tall – about 80 inches from what I can recall.
I think it’s best to keep it open, so later on there won’t be as much to remove when it starts to sag without a header!