Things You'll Need:
- New door Carpenter's level Door shims Variable speed drill Phillips head screw tip Hammer Phillips head screwdriver 3-inch deck screws 8d finish nails Nail set
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Step 1
Remove the hinge pins from the new door with a hammer and the Phillips head screwdriver. Remove the bottom hinge pin first to avoid undue stress on the hinges. Set the door aside for now.
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Step 2
Set the doorjamb frame in the entryway hole. Be certain that the latch side of the frame is adjacent to the stud in the wall. You may want to tack this in place with the 8d finish nails. Do not drive the nail all the way down.
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Step 3
Place the carpenter's level on a vertical part of the doorjamb to be certain it is plumb. Secure it so it will not move while you level the top.
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Step 4
Place the carpenter's level on the top of the doorjamb. Level it by inserting door shims underneath the door to lift it where it is needed. Secure the top of the doorjamb to the header above it with the 8d finish nails. Leave the shims in place for now.
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Step 5
Secure the hinge side of the doorjamb to the stud in the wall with the 3-inch deck screws. If there is a gap between the jamb and the stud, use the shims to fill in where the screw will go. Be certain the screw heads are flush with the surface of the jamb.
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Step 6
Insert the door shims everywhere they will fit to give the doorjamb more strength. Secure them between the door jamb and the studs with the 8d finish nails. Set the nail heads with the nail set.
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Step 7
Install the door on its hinges and check the gaps between the door and the jamb when the door is closed. Make any adjustments necessary and install trim around the door and prepare it for the finish.
