How to Install a New Wooden Exterior Door

A new front door gives your house a facelift.

Your front door is one of the first things visitors see when they approach your house. If your front door starts to deteriorate or you just want an updated look, consider replacing your door with a new wood door. Many styles and designs are available, including sidelights and decorative glass. If you choose a door that fits your existing opening, it will simplify the job. A pre-hung door that is already hanging in its own frame with hinges in place reduces the steps involved. Nonetheless hanging a door can be a challenge.

Things You'll Need

• Pre-hung door assembly
• Hammer
• Carpenter's level
• Caulk
• Caulking gun
• Wood shims
• 16d finishing nails
• 3-inch screws
• Screwdriver
• Fiberglass insulation
• Nail set
• Weatherstripping
• Paint or stain
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Remove the existing door assembly completely down to the rough opening. Remove the new door assembly from the carton. If screws are securing the door to the jambs, remove them. Do not remove any shipping braces.

2. Check that the rough opening is plumb using a carpenter's level. Check the level of the subsill (the floor where the door sill will rest) as well.

3. Place caulk on the subsill an inch in from the edges. Continue to place caulk up the sides of the door framing for a few inches.

4. Place the bottom of the door on the sill with the top of the door tilted outward. Tilt the door into position. Center the door assembly in the opening. Use shims at the bottom of the rough opening to hold the door securely in place.

5. Use shims around the rest of the door to hold it in position. Shims should be placed along the hinge side of the door frame behind the hinge attachments. Make adjustments to the shims and the door assembly on the hinge side so that the door is plumb in both directions. Check for a 1/8 inch gap between the door and the jamb.

6. Nail the door in place temporarily with 16d finishing nails close to the hinge locations. Nails should not be set completely into the assembly.

7. Remove shipping braces. Check that the door opens and closes easily.

8. Go outside and check the front of the door for good contact between the weatherstripping on the door jamb and the face of the door opposite the hinge side. Adjust the jamb in or out at the bottom if necessary. Place a shim behind the position for the lock strike.

9. Drive 3-inch screws into the jambs going through the shims, beginning on the hinge side and continuing around the door. Check the door assembly as you go to be sure that it is adjusted properly. Finally, place screws through the shim at the lock strike position.

10. Fill the edges around the door frame with loosely packed fiberglass insulation.

11. Install the interior trim around the door with finishing nails. Use a nail set to sink the nails slightly below the wood surface. Caulk all interior and exterior seams around the door with paintable caulk. Fill nail indentations with caulk.

12. Place weather-stripping along the base of the door as the manufacturer recommends.

13. Finish the door by painting or staining according to your preference.

Tips & Warnings

• Always read manufacturer's installation instructions.

• Wood door assemblies are heavy. Consider having an assistant help you with this project.

References

• Lowes: Install an Exterior Door