If you're handy with a hammer and a level, installing an exterior door is easier than you'd think. It helps if the pre-existing door and casing has been taken down, allowing you the freedom to just step in with your new door and get to work. It should take about a half an hour to successfully complete your door project.
Ensure the door sill is level. Run two 1/4-inch beads of caulk along floor of the door opening to prevent air or water from coming in. Caulk along the sides and top of the door opening as well, according to manufacturer's instructions.
2
Place the pre-hung door into the opening, sill end first, centered on the center of the top opening and raise into place. The doorway should be 2 to 3 inches wider than the door.
3
Put a 1/4-inch shim under the door on the hinges side to help level it. Place a nail 1 foot off the floor on the hinge side. Don't hammer it all the way in in case you need to remove it for squaring the door.
4
Use the level vertically up the side of the hinge side of door until the bubble shows it's level. Put a nail into the frame about 1 foot from top of the hinge side.
5
Place the level on top of the door frame. Adjust the non-hinge side until it's level. When level, put a nail on top of the frame, 3 inches from the non-hinge side of the door. Don't hammer it all the way in.
6
Place the level on the non-hinge side of door and adjust the frame until it's level. Put a nail in the top and bottom of the frame. Do not hammer it in fully.
7
Try opening and closing the door. It should swing nicely, with a 1/8-inch gap between the door and the non-hinge side of door. Hammer your nails in and add two more on each side.
8
Add foam insulation between the door jamb and jack studs of door frame. Install inside trim and add door hardware to finish the job.
Tips & Warnings
Doors are heavy and will require more than one person to hold in place.
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