DIY Network

French Doors: Making a Wall Opening for a Larger Door From "Weekend Handyman" episode WKH-103

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Host Paul Ryan demonstrates how to install French doors in this episode of Weekend Handyman. Elegant French doors make a beautiful addition to this cozy room that needed light and heating efficiency. In-swing Doors (used for this project) Out-swing Doors The door you open first (right) is called the "active" door, and the door you open second is called the "passive" door. Figure A Figure B

Note: Click here for a materials list and complete instructions without images.

Cost and Time: Varies according to the type of French door chosen / 2 days.

Difficulty Rating: It's rated a 3 on a scale of 1 to 5.

Materials for Complete Project:

Two 96" 2 x 4 studs
Eight 92-5/8" 2 x 4 studs
Four 8' firring strips
Two 7' x 11-7/8" microlams
Ten 8' lattice board
100' roll of poly (4 mil.)
12'-3/4" 1/4 round
4" junction box cover plate
1-3/4 roofing nails
10' romext some couplers
FW staples for romext
Wire nuts
Unfaced insulation
Drywall (5 sheets 1/2" 4 x 8)
Mesh tape for drywall
Screws
Four 2 x 4 joist hangers and nails
Shims
5 gal. pail (premixed mud)
Paint to match
1/2" nap roller
3/8" nap roller
Walk way poly (self sticking)
Reciprocating saw blades (35 and longer)
Silicone caulk
Tape
Joint compound
Reciprocating saw
Short and long blades
Circular or miter saw
Pneumatic framing nailer
Finish nailer

Notes:

• Order your doors at least three weeks ahead of installation. Expect to pay anywhere from $750 to $2,500 for a set of French doors.
  
• Get a building permit (allow at least two weeks to get one) if needed.
  
• Cover areas in poly to limit dust to other areas. Add a fan if necessary.
• Make sure there is nothing hidden in the wall you are tearing down that could derail the project. Such as wire chase, water pipes, electrical wires, etc.

French Door Options:

• See our illustrations (right) of the two type of French doors available -- In-swing and Out-swing.
  
• A number of options will affect the appearance of the product: 1) No grills, 2) Grills with simulated divided light, which restore a more historical character for the door and 3) Color (a variety of exterior colors).

Start the Project

1. Locate the studs by tapping, or with a nail.

2. Take a hammer and bash a hole into the wall between each of the studs that you'll be removing.

3. Tear away enough of the wall so you can see inside.

4. Remove trim around old door.

5. Let aggression out by bashing holes in the wall.

6. Rip and tear the old wallboard off.

7. Remove the old feature board.

8. Use a 6' blade and make a plunge cut through the wall with the reciprocating saw (figure A), and make a cut from top to bottom in each stud cavity.

9. Remove the old crown molding (if there is any).

10. After cutting through the boards, just push the wall out from one side.

11. Work the boards free, but be extra careful around any electrical outlet (figure B). The hammer does most of the work here.

RESOURCES :
True French In-swing Door
Model #: 113
Color: white clad natural interior
Available at: www.crestlinewindows.com

Crestline Windows & Doors
Mosinee, WI 54455
Fax: 763-781-8316

Taunton's Build Like a Pro: Windows and Doors: Expert Advice From Start to Finish (Build Like a Pro)
ISBN: 1561584835
Author: Scott McBride
Order this book from Amazon.com.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com

Installing and Hanging Doors (For Pros by Pros Series)
ISBN: 1561586358
Author: Gary Katz
Order this book from Amazon.com.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com

GUESTS :

Scott Ocel
888 Southview Dr.
Mosinee, WI 55445
Tollfree Phone: 800- 552-4111
Fax: 763-781-8316
Email: Socel@SNEenterprises.com
Website: www.crestlinewindows.com
General Sales Manager
Crestline Windows & Doors

Shane Kretsinger
Vice President, Operations
Autumn River
We apologize no contact information is available.

Gary Keagle
Supervisor
Autumn River
See contact information for Autumn River (above)