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Cut the Openings
Draw plumb lines at stud locations, then mark the rough opening height (34 in. from the floor to the bottom and 83 in. to the top). Adjust this height above the floor, if necessary,
so the message center lines up with nearby door or window trim.
Check the studs for plumb and adjust the box dimensions as needed to fit cleanly between them. Our center stud was plumb, but the left and right sides were out of plumb by 1/8 in. in opposite directions, so we made the two boxes 14-1/4 in. wide instead of 14-1/2 in. wide and left 1-5/8 in. between them. It’s generally best to leave the center stud in place.
Figure A Message center details*
* Part names and dimensions are in Cutting List.
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