How to Frame an Exterior Door in Solid Masonry

An exterior door can be attached to masonry structure

Exterior doors for a house are typically installed to existing wood framing. However, you can also frame an exterior door directly to masonry or brick, if no wood framing is available. One type of door that you can install is a pre-hung door that is already attached to a frame. You can install an exterior door in solid masonry once you have first taken proper measurements and bought the type of door you want to use.

Things You'll Need

• Z-flashing
• Power drill
• Caulk
• Shims
• Masonry drill bit
• Utility knife

Instructions

1. Place the Z-flashing along the top of the opening for the door casing. Secure it with the nail gun.

2. Apply a bead of caulk along the top of the door opening. Apply another bead of caulk along both sides.

3. Pre-drill holes in the door frame for the screws with the power drill. Place holes every two feet on each side of the frame. Set the pre-hung door into the opening and press it into the masonry.

4. Set a level on the threshold and check for level. When the bubble is-between the two parallel lines the door is level. Insert shims under the threshold to adjust the level.

5. Pre-drill holes into the masonry on the hinged side of the frame. Insert a masonry bit into the power drill and use the holes that you pre-drilled in step 3. Insert masonry screws and secure them with the power drill.

6. Repeat step 5 on the latched side of the frame. Screws will also need to be driven into the top.

7. Score the shims along the edge of the threshold with the utility knife, then break them off. Apply a bead of caulk along the exterior of the door frame to seal any gaps.

Tips & Warnings

• Dry fit the door in the opening to make sure it will fit before pre-drilling the screw holes.

References

• This Old House: How to Replace a Prehung Exterior Door