DIY Network

Front Door Installation From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-303F

Roslyn Satchel dislikes the glasswork and style of the old front door. Host Karl Champley helps Satchel remove the old door and install a new one.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

Removal of old door:

1. Score behind interior trim around the door with utility knife (figure A).

2. Use a pry bar and hammer (figure B) to carefully remove door trim (protect the wall with a small scrap of wood under pry bar as needed). If trim can be removed intact and without damage, it can be reused after the new door is installed.

3. Remove finish nails from trim and serve for reuse, then cut away old caulk between exterior and brick molding on door frame using a utility knife.

4. Remove old door jamb with pry bar, then use a reciprocating saw to cut any nails holding door in place.

5. Carefully tip loosened door outward to remove (figure C).

Installation of new door:

1. Remove new door from packaging, leaving retaining brackets (to keep door closed) intact.

2. Scrape the old caulk off the sub-floor and sweep the area clean.

3. Center door in opening to test fit. Sand or grind away areas that prevent the door from fitting correctly into the opening.

4. Apply three generous beads of silicone caulk to sub-flooring at bottom of door opening (figure D).

5. With someone assisting if necessary, tilt the door into the opening and position.

6. On the interior surface of the door jambs, double wood wedge shims to create one flat shim and insert into gaps between door jambs and frame (figure E).

7. Shim at the lockset, hinges and at 12" intervals around the door.

8. Use carpenter level to make door is plumb and adjust shims as needed.

9. Drive 10d casing nails through exterior jambs and into the framing members at the shims.

10. Remove retaining brackets installed by manufacturer and see if door will open and close smoothly before driving nails the rest of the way. Adjust door as necessary, then use nail set to drive nails before the wood surface.

11. Remove two of the screws in each hinge and replace with long anchor screws (figure F) that should have been included with the door.

12. Score interior shims at door level and remove extra so that shims are flush with the door.

13. Fill the spaces around the door with regular-strength spray foam (figure G). Avoid overfilling.

14. Apply paintable silicone caulk around entire door unit and fill nail holes with caulk.

15. Replace the trim around the inside of door using the old trim or cut new.

16. Install a new lock by inserting latch-bolt mechanism through latch-bolt hole. Insert lockset tailpieces through the latch-bolt and screw handles together with retaining screws. Screw the strike plate to the door jamb and adjust to fit.

17. Finally, caulk any gaps between siding and door molding and paint or stain the new door as desired (if not pre-stained or pre-painted).