light switch / box placement

[bww_mnm]

I'm finishing my rough in (basement) and I have a question on where to place the box for light switches. There's a double 2x4 (cripple and king) next to the door, can I just add a scrap 2x4 next to it so that's it's 3 wide so I can get casing (3 1/2") and switch next to it?

Thanks,
Brad

 

[electrican]

yes!

 

[Gooch]

Yup, do it all the time.

 

[The J]

Tagging onto this old thread...

I have limited space between an outside entry door and built-in cabinets/wardrobe (on the handle side, where the switches should be).

The door frame is double 2x4's as described above. Can I attach the 2-gang box with switches directly to the king 2x4?

If I attach another 2x4 to the door frame, the space is too tight to fit the switches comfortably. It could work, but it looks like an afterthought. I need a 2-gang box since that location also will control exterior lights.

I have wide (4-7/8") door molding and would rather trim a bit of the cover plate on the molding side rather than having it too close to the built-in door.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[Jagmandave]

You can also put multiple switches in a one gang box, like this....

 

[The J]

Thanks for the idea of using the multi-switch.

I should have been more clear. The location needs to have 4 switches (one interior, three exterior 'zones'. The interior is a 3-way with dimmer. The exteriors are simple single-pole switches.

I could use a single gang with 3-way dimmer at one height, and a single-gang with the multiple switch above.