Replacing doors

[ADMIRALSTOCKDALE]

Thinking about replacing my front door and while I'm at it, the back French doors.
I've never done it and it sure looks like it would be easy. Anything I need to know?

 

[TxEx2x]

Looks can be deceiving! You'll have to replace the frame as well. Think about all the directions that will have to be level and evenly gapped so that no light comes through and it has exactly enough clearance when it is opened... We replaced a bathroom door and we got it 'close enough.' If I were to tackle an exterior one, I wouldn't go into it with the assumption that it'd be easy... I'd take my initial time estimate and triple it... Good luck!

 

[NickDanger]

You do not have to replace the frame. If the frame is poorly installed, you might have to choose between readjusting the frame (which can be time-consuming and probably beyond your experience if you are asking the question) or cutting or trimming the door. A well-hung door and frame will not require any of those.

Cutting or trimming a door or adjusting a frame are not difficult at all, but if you haven't done it, it could try your patience. In a nutshell, you remove the casing and hang the door and place shims between the jamb and the framing until the door hangs properly. You them renail the casing, prep the casing and repaint (since you have nail holes).

 

[NickDanger]

Use a level to check the sides and top of the jamb and measure width at several places and height on both left and right sides. That ought to give you a pretty good idea if you will have to trim or readjust. Being perfectly level is not all that big of a deal, but if give you an idea if you existing doors were trimmed and that, in turn, will tell you if some new factory fresh doors will need to be trimmed.

If you do have to trim doors and have a staple gun and a circular saw and some clamps, I can tell you how to make a jig that will give you perfectly straight cuts. It will probably cost you no more than $15 for the jig. Just depends on what they sell 1/4" plywood for today.

 

[ADMIRALSTOCKDALE]

thanks for the valuable insight. not sure when i'm gonna do it - maybe two weeks as i've got family obligations the next two weekends - but i'll certainly stop by and let you know how it goes!

 

[accuratehorn]

I've been told this is the most difficult home repair job there is. They don't fit right, have to shaved, shimmed, what's underneath the frame may be inadequate, nightmare on Main Street ahead!

 

[texascoder]

As others have said, this might not be as easy a project as it seems initially... I've done a number of projects around the house. Some have gone smooth and some not so much. Some in the "not so much" category I would have probably been better off if I had hired someone that had more experience. So, my advice would be to at least try to get an estimate of what it would cost to have someone install the door for you. If you'd only be saving a little bit by doing it yourself, maybe you'd be better off sitting this one out and watching the pro do it. That way you could learn how to do it yourself next time

 

[BigWill]

not a job for a newbie. Not at all.

 

[brntorng]

I'm willing to tackle almost any home construction job because I'm confident I can do it as well as or better than most contractors, but hanging new exterior doors isn't one of them. Find a full-time door hanger to do the job (including helping to determine whether you need a new frame or not) and you'll almost certainly be happier with the result. Remember, exterior doors are one of the most frequently used and important features of your home and you want it to function nicely, look good, and be secure.

Also, choosing exterior doors is not necessarily a simple process. Wood, steel, or fiberglass? Sun and weather exposure make a huge difference on what you should choose. Wood looks nice for a while, but if it is exposed to moisture or has a western exposure it won't last long without significant annual maintenance. Check out the fiberglass doors at Stripling Blake. They are virtually indistinguishable from wood and are far far more durable. Also, most doors are made-to-order which could take several weeks at least.

 

[johnny chimpo]

Hanging a door in an existing frame is an absolute *****. But removing and then installing a pre-hung door is actually quite simple.

 

[ADMIRALSTOCKDALE]

that's kinda what i was thinking - that the new frame/new door would be much easier than fitting new into old.
anyway, thank you all.
i have to say, i'm floored that so many of you are recommending help for this!! it seems like there's not a job in the world that hornfans doesn't think you can tackle yourself!!! funny that this would be the exception!
thanks, a-holes.