Things You'll Need:
- Screw gun
- 8 penny, 10 penny finish nails
- Nail set
- Hammer
- WD-40
- 1/2-inch sharp wood chisel
- Combination square
- 2 sawhorses
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Step 1
Remove the old door from the existing door jamb. Have a helper hold the existing door while you remove it from its hinges. Leave the hinges attached to the door jamb, as you will need them for attaching the new door.
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Step 2
Check the existing door jamb and make sure that it is attached securely. If it is loose, re-nail it on the outside and into the trim. Re-nail on the inside and also into the jamb sides. Be careful not to move the jamb when re-nailing. It is always a good idea to predrill into the sides of the jamb with a 1/8-inch drill bit before setting any nails. Sink all of the nails just below the surface using the nail set, and fill the holes with wood filler. Smooth off the filler and paint the jamb if necessary.
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Step 3
Service the existing door hinges. Check the hinges and make sure they function well. Lubricate the hinges with WD-40 or any other lubricant appropriate to use for this application.
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Step 4
Cut the hinge slots into the new door. Lay the old door on its side and onto the sawhorses. Lay the new door on top of the old door, making sure they are the same height and width. Align the doors rear to rear and front to front.
Using the combination square, transfer the hinge marks from the old door onto the new one. Now remove the hinges from the door jamb, being careful not to strip the existing screw holes. Lay the hinges inside the marks you just made and scribe them onto the new door. Using the wood chisel, gently clean and chisel out the wood to the thickness of the hinge so that the hinge will set into the slot and be flush with the surface of the door. -
Step 5
Attach the old hinges to the new door while you have them off. Have a helper hold the door while you reattach the hinges and door to the jamb. Change the doorknob hardware from the old door to the new one.
