How to Install Your New Front Door

When it comes to DYI, there are tutorials on just about anything. From hanging new lights to redecorating a whole room, you can just about do everything yourself these days. However, sometimes the simplest things are neglected, like how to put in a new door.

Trudeau, composite door manufacturers, can supply you with your door, and here is our step-by-step guide on how to install your new front door:

Step 1: Measure

Measuring your door, although seemingly simple, is often forgotten by many. Measure the width and height of the door as well as rough opening, which is the width of the space between the studs and the height from the header to the floor. You will need to take off the interior trim to do this.

Then make sure to measure from the back of the brick molding to the face of the interior wall to find the jamb width. Finally, measure the width from the outside of the brick molding to the top of the exterior trim to the bottom of the sill.

Step 2: Remove Your Door

Cut the caulk along the edges of the brick molding with a knife to make removing the door and frame easier.

Step 3: Prepare the Door Way

For older houses, you may have to repair some water damage during this step. If the sill is uneven then make sure to add some extra wood inserts to make sure that it clears the carpet of your entranceway and your outside entrance. Make sure to add a sill pan and metal drip cap if your door is not protected from the weather.

Step 4: Set the New Door in Place

Make sure to caulk the opening here. Inspect the bottom of the door frame to make sure that the beads of caulk are aligned with the flat spots on the sill. Next caulk around the perimeter of the door as well.

Step 5: Fasten into Place

Center the top of the door frame with an equal caulk space between the siding and trim on each side. Tack the top corners with 16d galvanized nails. Let the heads stick out so that you can make adjustments later if need be.

Put another nail through the bottom of the hinge-side jamb to hold the frame in place. Then set about wedging shims behind the hinges and the top and far side of the frame. The aim is to create an even gap between the door and the frame. Secure all shims and set in the nails placed in the outer frame of the door.

Step 6: Finish it off

Fill the gap between the jamb and the frame with spray foam. Fit some trim over the outside of the door and caulk the brick molding to seal the exterior of the door.

And your door is done. All that is left to add whatever decorative elements you want to finish your door off with and your home will have a new and stylish entranceway.