How to Install a Door
The challenge of installing a new door is dependent on various factors, including space as well as the size and type of door. It is best to plan everything first. Consider if you are either going to change an old door, or install a new one.
You would need to saw off part of your wall if you will be installing a new door. Your best bet would be to buy a pre-hung designed door. This is to facilitate its installation.
A pre-hung designed door is a door that is already attached to pre-assembled jambs. The jambs are the frames to which the door is attached. It is attached by hinges and usually has braces and trims. These keep the frame square. You will need to detach the braces and trims when you are installing the door.
Consider the thickness of the wall to which you will be attaching the door. Also check the type of wall before buying a pre-hung designed door. These are important factors that need to be taken into consideration.
Keep in mind that these jambs should be thicker than the wall. It should stick out at both sides of the door.
Remove the old door from the hinges and pry out the trims and the assembled jambs using any tool necessary.
The next step is to position the new door at the rough opening. It is best to have someone help with this by staying on the other side. This will help properly position the door.
Keep adjusting the door until it is fully flushed to the wall. You can then push some shims in the center of the assembled jambs and trimmer studs. This should be done on both sides.
This will prevent it from moving and secure it in place. This is also the time to use a level. This will check for plumb at the mentioned jambs. It can be checked while you tap the shims in place with a hammer. Cut off excess shims using a utility knife.
Make sure it is leveled and snug tightly to the wall. You can then nail it in place. Use at least a 2 ½ inch nail or screw to the assembled jambs.
This will assure it reaches and extends to the wall while the studs keep it more secure. Stop hammering before the heads reach the surface to avoid hammer damage to the assembled jambs. Finish the installation with a nail set.
You can then test the door by opening and closing it. Make sure it works properly. You can test if it is level by opening and stopping the door at a certain point. Wait for something to happen. It is leveled when the door does not move from the stopping point.
You can begin installing the exterior trimmings when the door is already leveled and working properly. You can either nail these trimmings with a 2 inch finishing nail or a bead of caulk. This is done between the trim and the wall. The handle and lock are the last parts you need to install.
