How to Install Patio Doors

Ornate doorway

Whether you are adding a new patio onto your home, or simply updating the look of your existing one, installing new patio doors can dramatically improve your home's appearance. By far, the most popular type of patio door used today is the French door, which is made of wood and glass. This type of new brings light, brightness and a modern feel to both the home and the patio. Luckily, these patio doors are very easy to install, and the average homeowner can complete this project in just a few hours.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pre-hung patio doors
• Hammer
• Nails
• Level
• Wooden shims
• Fiberglass insulation
• Caulk

Instructions

1. Determine the size of the rough opening where you will install your new doors. Measure from stud to stud and from the floor to the lintel, or the top of the opening.

2. Use the measurements you took in Step 1 to purchase your new door. To ensure the door will fit properly, select a unit that is one inch smaller than the rough opening, both horizontally and vertically. For easier installation, choose a pre-hung unit, which comes with the door already hung on the frame. It's also helpful if the door comes pre-drilled for the type of hardware you plan to install (cylindrical or tubular lockset).

3. Remove and dispose of the old door and frame, if applicable. If there is no dumpster close by, the best way to dispose of an old door is to take it to your local dump, or call your town's bulk trash service for pick up.

4. Slide the pre-hung unit into the center of the opening, bottom first, making sure it is centered in the opening. Arrange the unit so that the doors swing out.

5. Use your hammer to temporarily nail the unit into place, using three nails per jamb. Do not sink these nails all the way yet, because you may need to remove them to adjust the door.

6. Examine the spacing along each jamb. It should be even on each side, between the studs and the jamb. If it is not, move the unit until the spacing is even and insert wooden shims along each side as required. Give the frame a final check with your level to ensure it is plumb before proceeding.

7. Nail the unit into place, making sure to countersink any nails you installed earlier. Stuff insulation between the jambs and the studs. Try to make the insulation fit snugly, but do not overstuff. Finish up by installing any trim kits that came with the unit and caulking the joints between the trim and the walls to help weatherproof the home.

Tips & Warnings

• It is sometimes possible to "recycle" old doors, especially those that are ornate or unique, to a company that specializes in salvaging and reselling construction materials.

• Make absolutely sure that the door is plumb before you proceed with installation. Doors that are not level will not operate properly, and can cause a security risk over time.