How to Install an Exterior Door

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If you're handy with a hammer and a leveler, installing an exterior door is easier than you'd think. It helps if the pre-existing door 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.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Hammer
Level
Measuring tape
Carpenter's pencil
Center punch
Silicone caulk
Insulation

How to Install an Exterior Door

Step1

Run two 1/4-inch beads of caulk along floor of the door opening to prevent air or water from coming in.

Step2

Place the door into the opening. The doorway should be two to three inches wider than the door.

Step3

Put a 1/4-inch shim under the door on the hinges side to help level it. Place a nail one 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.

Step4

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 one foot from top of the hinge side.

Step5

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, three inches from the non-hinge side of the door. Don't hammer it all the way in.

Step6

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.

Step7

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.

Step8

Add foam insulation between the door jamb and jack studs of door frame. Now your door is ready for the doorknob and locks to be added.