How To Install A New Door

Whether your old door was too drafty or want one in a different style- most homeowners eventually find themselves having to replace one.  Our front doors are the first thing many people notice when looking at your home, and the last thing many see when they’re leaving.  If you want to replace yours, but aren’t sure where to start, here are the steps to follow to redo that door.

1- Remove Your Current Door

To remove an exterior door, you’ll need to make sure it’s closed- and then on the inside, locate the hinges.  Taking a hammer and a nail, hit the pins in the hinges upwards until they come out a couple of inches.  After this, remove the pins with your fingers to avoid scuffing the door if you’re giving it away.  Slide cardboard under the door to protect your flooring, and then using the door handle slowly pull it off of its hinges.  This step may be more difficult with more massive doors, but it can be done.

2- Measure and Research

Measure the size of your front door.  Most are generally the same size, but if yours happens to fall outside of that area, it could be a problem if you order a door without measuring- measure by removing the trim, and the door itself, and measuring the entrance itself.

Look into what materials are best for your area.  Don’t get an all-glass door if you live somewhere dense with hurricanes, and don’t go for a full wood door if the temperatures change drastically, as that could cause the door to warp or age faster.

3- Check the New Door

Before you try to install it, line the new door up against the entrance and see if it looks like it will fit.  If it does, you can move ahead- if not, then there are a couple of steps you have to take.  

If the door is too large for the frame, measure the door carefully, and then have a professional cut the entrance to fit it.  This step can be quickly done, but professionals should do it.  

If the door is too small for the entrance, nothing can be done besides replacing the door entirely again or shopping around for Whistler homes for sale to find one that matches your new door.  Some shops will let you make returns, make sure to double-check before you lug the door back.

4- Install the New Door

Ensure the door fits, and shim as necessary to try to get a better fit if needed.  Glue or nail in the border, and then it’s time for the hinges.  Most doors come in marked with hinge placement, make sure it lines up with the edge, and then attach them.  You’ll need to caulk the exterior of the border to ensure it’s airtight and remove any manufacturer’s protective pieces if connected.

Replacing your door can give your home a whole new appearance, so take your time with this project and ensure it goes through without a hitch.