How to Install a Front Door and Frame Assembly

Besides keeping out the cold and wind, the entry door to your home sets the mood for the entire home to an outsider. So if your door is old, worn and chipped beyond repair, install a new front door and frame.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pre-hung door with frame
• Carpenters 2-foot level
• L square
• Fine-toothed wood saw
• Wood shims
• Finish nails
• 3-inch wood screws
• Hammer
• Nail gun and screwdrivers
• Utility knife
• Door knob and hardware
• Moulding

1. Measure the door opening and buy the correct size door, paying attention to which side you want the hinges.

2. Ensure the opening is straight and square and the floor at the bottom of the opening is level, using a 2-foot carpenters' level and L square.

3. Trim a little strip of wood off one side of the door frame, if you find the floor isn't level, or the door won't hang straight. Trim the side of the frame that corresponds with the high side of the floor.

4. Close the door and place it, frame and all, into the door opening. Center it between the wall surfaces.

5. Place wood shims between the frame and the door-jamb, if there are any gaps, and behind each hinge and the striker plate location. Check the frame with a 2-foot carpenters' level to see that it is even all the way around the opening.

6. Nail a small finish nail through the door frame and through each shim to hold them in place. Now you can open the door.

7. Use a nail gun or cordless driver and 3-inch screws to fasten the door frame to the wall studs. Place a fastener wherever there is a shim.

8. Score any shims that are protruding with a utility knife and snap them off flush with the door frame. You also can use a fine saw blade to cut them, taking care not to cut into the frame.

9. Install a door knob and associated hardware in the pre-cut holes.

10. Frame the door on both sides with moulding. Paint or stain and seal the frame and door.

Tips & Warnings

• This job can be done by one person, but an assistant makes it much easier.
• Using screws to install the door makes later removal a lot less work.
• Remove the door hinges and lay the door on a flat surface to paint, and then re-hang it.
• Wear eye protection when using power tools and gloves when using a utility knife.
• Always use a ground fault circuit interrupter on extension cords to power tools.

Resources

• Shop for pre-hung front doors and get instructions at Lowes website.
• Get information and order a front door at Grand River Supply.