How to Replace a Door

Replacing a door is a big project but is still within the capabilities of most do-it-yourself  guys. Take care when handling the door not to damage or disturb the door frame or the trim.

These instructions can only be general as each time the problems  will be unique and require its own solution. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific product you are using.

OUTSIDE DOORS

• Outside doors can become damaged or unsightly because of exposure to the weather and other outside elements. The door posts can also become loose and need serious attention before a new door is hung. Firstly check that the frame or post that the door is expected to hang out of is secure and does not move. Secondly check that the door frame is square. Then remove all door blocks carefully and remove the nails or pins used to hold them. (These block the door from swinging in both directions).
• Also be aware of how the old door fits the frame, if there is a gap at the top or the bottom, and check the sides.
• These blocks are re nailed back on when the door is in the closed position this ensures that the door has no gaps all the way around and give a better look the finished job. Alternatively replacing them with new ones makes the job a finer one but does require painting afterwards.
• To remove the original door, open it and place a wedge under the outer corner, taking the weight off the hinges.
• Most doors have four screws on each side of the hinge attaching one half to the door and the other half to the door frame Start at the bottom hinge and remove all the screws, work your way up to the top hinge thus removing the door..
• Next, remove the hinges from the door or frame. It is probably better to install new hinges along with the new door. If so, make sure the new hinges are the same size as the old ones. If the original hinges are in good condition, you can brighten them with fine sandpaper and spray them with a clear protective coating. This will give the hinges a “like-new” appearance.
• Reinstall the hinges on the door frame, using screws that are long enough to go through the frame and grip well into the stud-wall framing as a security measure.
• If the original door is usable as a pattern, place it on the new door, carefully aligning the top and side edges. The new door may need to be cut down slightly; mark the difference along the bottom of the old door. If the old door is not suitable for this purpose, measure the door opening, allowing a 1/8″ clearance at the bottom (3/4″ or more if the door opens over carpeting) and 1/16″ at the top and sides. Transfer these dimensions to the new door.
• Trim the bottom of the door, using a suitable circular saw (electric of course).
• Use a jack plane to trim the edges as needed. Bevel the latch edge of the door slightly inward–this helps to prevent binding when the door is opened.
• Mark the location of the hinge mortises on the edge of the door, place the new door in the opening, wedging it 1/8″ from the bottom and mark the hinge locations on the door.
• Now set the door on its latch edge. With a try square or combination square and a sharp pencil or knife, mark a line across the door edge at each hinge location, then use the hinge leaf as a template to outline the hinge on the door. This indicates the location of the hinge mortises.
• With a sharp wood chisel, score around the marked edges for the mortises. Be careful that you don’t cut more deeply than the thickness of the hinge leaf.
• Nearly all interior and exterior doors are taller than 6′. They require three hinges to properly distribute the weight. The middle hinge should be halfway between the top and bottom hinges.
• Coat all edges of the door with wood sealant to shut out moisture.
• Attach the hinges to the door with wood screws.
• Place the door in the frame Check its fitting correctly. If it’s satisfactory, close the door and mark the location of the middle hinge on the door frame.
• If there were three hinges on the original door, your middle hinge should use the same door frame mortise as the old hinge.
• Set the door in place finally, insert and tighten all the screws working top to bottom.

THE LOCK

• Your new door deserves a new lock. Your local supplier carries a wide variety of attractive styles. Any type you purchase will come with detailed manufacturer’s directions for installation and paper templates to guide you in boring the necessary holes in the door and the door edge. The door edge is mortised.
• Try to align the new lock with the existing strike plate in the door frame. If the latch bolt of the new lock does not fit into the strike plate, align the unit so that the new strike plate can be installed in the existing mortise in the door frame. You can enlarge the mortise to accommodate the new plate, if needed. If the existing mortise is too large, install the new strike plate and fill in any extra space with wood putty.
• For added security, you should seriously consider putting in a deadbolt. Install it following the manufacturer’s directions for the model you purchase.
• Another security precaution is a peephole. This allows you to see who is calling before opening the door. The peephole should be installed at the eye level of the shortest person who will be using it (obviously not a small child). Cut a hole using an electric drill. The hardware is then passed through the hole and secured by a flanged ring nut.

INTERIOR DOORS

• Techniques for replacing most interior doors are the same as for outside doors. The locks are usually much simpler, There may be no locking mechanism at all, just door-knobs and a latch bolt to hold the door closed.