Exterior doors are a key feature for any home, especially for the front entrance. Doors make an immediate impression on guests as they are often the first thing they see or interact with when entering your living space. Exterior doors are often subject to heavy use and can be a common site for impacts, especially when moving large objects in or out of the house. After some time has passed, your door may become worn or damaged and need to be replaced. Though the replacement process often appears to be simple, it can be complicated. That is why the team at Country Lumber has provided some information on how to replace an exterior door. Keeping to a set process will ensure optimal efficiency, safety, and results.
Learn how to change a doorknob.
Steps to Replace an Exterior Door
To ensure the best possible fit when replacing your exterior door, perform the following steps:
1. Remove the Old Door and Door Hardware
Remove the doorknob and lock systems from your old door as they will not serve any purpose in a door that isn’t attached anywhere. Remove all screws and pins for all door hardware and pull them out of their slots. Once this hardware is removed, use a hammer or screwdriver to pop the hinge pins out of the hinges. Start from the bottom and work your way up, pulling the door out once all pins are removed.
2. Transfer or Replace the Hinges
Unscrew each hinge from the old door and fasten these to the new door. If you are completely replacing the door hinges, you should remove the old hinges from the door frame and the door, replacing them with the new hinges.
3. Measure and Prepare the New Door
Measure the door and check the “handedness” to ensure that it aligns with your dimensions and preferences. Install the hinge pins to the door and ensure that the hinges are installed in the door frame.
4. Hang the New Door and Check the Fit
Lift the door and line the hinge pins up with the hinge placements in the door frame. Line up the pins and tap them back into place with a hammer. Once the door is placed on the hinges, ensure that the knob placement lines up with the strike plate on the door frame. Ensure that the door does not drag, does not leave too much space in any area, and that it is centred in the frame.
5. Install the New Hardware
Reinstall the doorknob (or install a new one) by pushing the latch into the side of the door and threading the doorknob axle through it. You may need to adjust the length of the latch if it does not fit or line up properly. Attach the opposite side of the doorknob and then fasten each side in place with the screws. From here, reinstall any locks or other hardware.
To learn more about how to replace an exterior door or to learn more about our products, get in touch with the Country Lumber team. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.