How to Replace a Basement Door
Basements can be scary, but the door leading to it doesn't have to be. Replacing a basement door can make your home more efficient and dress up the room it's in. All it takes to do it right is a little home improvement experience and the willingness to get all your measurements right. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Pry bar
- Reciprocating saw
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Shims
- Hammer
- Nails
- Prehung door
- Doorknob
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Instructions
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Take off the old door by unscrewing the hinges from the wall. Pry away the old door frame, or jamb, using a pry bar. Use a reciprocating saw with metal-cutting blade to cut the nails if prying proves too difficult.
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Measure the opening so you can buy a prehung door that fits. Remove the door from the frame before installing it to make installation easier. Cut the bottom of the door and frame with a circular saw if you need to make the door shorter to fit your opening.
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Place the jamb in the doorway and use a level to be sure it's straight. Wedge wooden shims between the wall and jamb to adjust it. Nail the frame to the wall on the hinge side of the door frame first, driving the nails through both the frame and shims. If the frame isn't plumb, the door could get stuck when you try to open and close it. So check often.
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Screw the hinges and door back into the frame. Swing the door open and close to be sure it fits.
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Install the doorknob. The door likely will come with a predrilled hole for the knob. Choose a knob that can be unlocked from the inside if you feel a lock is necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
Doors can be solid or hollow. If you want noise protection, get a solid door. A hollow door will be less expensive.
Always wear safety glasses.
References
- Photo Credit door-knob 2 image by Anton Chernenko from Fotolia.com
