How to Remove an Exterior Door and Frame

Replace your old door with a vibrant, new one.

Whether you wish to remove an old exterior door to upgrade to a new one or you want to take the old door off to refinish and revitalize it, proper removal of the door and, possibly, the frame, are a necessity. The job doesn't require an excessive amount of carpentry knowledge, but it does take elbow grease and persistence, as exterior doors tend to be heavy.

Things You'll Need

• Assistant
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Pry bar

Instructions

1. Open the door to be removed until you have easy access to the door hinges and pins.

2. Ask your assistant to secure the door with both hands while you remove the hinge pins with your hammer and pry bar. Remove the bottom pins before removing the top pins.

3. Place the door aside. Lay it flat rather than leaning it up against a wall.

4. Remove the screws from the hinges attached to the door frame using a screwdriver.

5. Work from one end of the trim to the other, using the pry bar to pull the trim away from the wall, if you intend to reuse the materials. Otherwise, cut the trim into more manageable sections before removing them in the same way. In this case, cut at an angle to avoid damaging the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut the molding loose from the brick if removing a door frame on a brick home. Use a utility knife or box cutter.

References

• The Family Handyman: How to Replace an Exterior Door