Learn how to replace a front door with this easy DIY guide.
Time One day or less
ComplexityIntermediate
Cost$300 - $1000
Introduction
From measuring to installation, this project reveals everything you need to know about how to replace an exterior door successfully.
Front doors are not always easy to install. They require subtle finesse to get them to swing just right. That said, if all conditions are aligned with good decision-making, replacing an existing exterior door with a new door can be a straightforward and manageable DIY project.
Doors can be purchased in two styles: pre-hung or slab. Slab doors are simply the door itself. They are cheaper, but you must accurately transfer and cut the hinge, strike, and bore positions from your existing jamb to the door, which can be a tedious and time-consuming process. On the other hand, prehung doors are installed on a door jamb with holes drilled and hinges preinstalled. This makes them slightly more expensive. However, a significant drawback of replacing a pre-hung door is that it increases the scope of the project, requiring the removal of the existing door frame and trim around it.
This may sound counterintuitive, but I purchased a pre-hung door and used only the slab door. Why? Because I measured the hinge, strike, and bore positions precisely on my old door, I was able to find a prehung door with matching measurements. Nevertheless, I swapped out the hinges to match the color of my new handle, and I strategically disassembled the jamb for future DIY projects.
When to call a pro
Consider hiring a professional if you encounter any of the following scenarios:
- The existing door frame is damaged, with cracks, rot, or significant structural issues
- You’re uncomfortable chiseling out spaces for hinges and strike plates, or drilling precise holes for handles and locks
- The project involves significant structural changes to the wall or size of the doorway
In situations where you lack the required skill set or where a mistake could compromise the door’s functionality or your home’s security, the assistance of a professional contractor is crucial.
Tools Required
- Assorted drill bits
- Belt sander
- Caulk gun
- Chisel
- Circular saw
- Drill
- Hole saw
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Oscillating tool
- Power planer
- Pry bar
- Reciprocating saw
- Sawhorses
- Screwdriver
- Utility knife
Materials Required
- Bondo filler
- Construction adhesive
- Doorknob set
- Exterior door
- Hinges (optional)
- Shims
Project step-by-step (10)
Step 1
How to measure a door for replacement
Measure the width and height of your old door along each side to determine its position. Also, measure the positions of the hinges, strike plate, and handle/deadbolt boreholes.
Round the longest side’s width and height up to full inches to find the replacement door size you need. For example, if the longest side of your door measures 35-3/4 inches wide and 79-1/2 inches tall, you’ll order a 36-in. x 80-in. door.
Step 2
Remove the weather stripping
Remove the weather stripping encasing the exterior side of the door. Keep it for later reinstallation, or use it as a measuring guide if you wish to replace the weather stripping at the end of the project.
Step 3
Examine the door jamb
Closely examine the door jamb and determine if it is solid. There should be no cracks, holes or brittle wood from rot. If everything looks good, you can proceed with just replacing the door, rather than the door and the door frame.
Step 4
Remove the door
Start by removing screws from the hinges attached to the door. Once the door is detached from the hinges, remove it from the entryway. The door should be set aside if it is in good condition and fits well in the door frame to be used as a template to cut the new door later. Then, remove the screws from the hinges and take them off the jamb too.
Step 5
Address the threshold
Unscrew the threshold across the floor where the door will be replaced. If the old door threshold is connected to the door jamb and cannot be easily removed under the siding, you can use a reciprocating saw or oscillating tool to cut and remove it. If your threshold is solid and in good condition, you can leave it in place and install the door.
The area under your threshold will have seen the most moisture. Ensure the wood in this area is solid and free from rot. Inspect the full frame and jam to ensure they are intact. There should be no cracks, dry rot, splits or gouges that will weaken the frame.
Step 6
Install new hinges (optional)
With the door separated from the pre-hung frame, if you want to use different hinges, lay it on sawhorses and install new hinges. Again, verify that the placement of the hinges on the door will line up with the location of the hinges in the door jamb. Only change the door hinges if you want to change the metal finish from the color installed at manufacturing.
Step 7
Install exterior door
With the new door still lying on the sawhorses, gently lay the old door with the handle and door sweep removed on top of it. Line up the hinges and handle holes, and trace the shape of the old door on the new one. Depending on how much needs to be removed, cut the new door to match using a circular saw, belt sander, or power planer. In many cases, especially in newer homes, very little to nothing will need to be removed.
Line up hinges on the door to the door frame opening and screw the door into place. Use door jacks or shims to help hold the door in place while securing it with screws. Start with the middle hinge and then work top to bottom with the other two hinges. Once screws have been secured, test the door swing. Ensure the door swings freely and without rubbing anywhere on the jamb.
Step 8
Install new threshold
If installing a new threshold, do a dry fit to ensure your threshold will allow the new door to open and close freely before securing it. Apply construction adhesive and screw into place with provided screws.
Note: Some thresholds are high-profile, and others are designed with a low profile. When choosing between a high-profile and low-profile threshold, the goal is not to have a large gap at the bottom of the door, which will allow drafts and moisture to enter.
Step 9
Install doorknob and deadbolt
Verify that the door handle and deadbolt will line up with the strike plate location. Remove the old strike plate for the handle and deadbolt and replace it with new ones to match the new metal finish of the door handle and deadbolt.
Install the handle and deadbolt and confirm that the door locks securely. You may have to slightly adjust the placement of the strike plate to get a solid engagement with the handle and deadbolt.
If the strike plate for the handle and deadbolt does not align, drill and chisel out new strike plate holes. Then, use Bondo to fill in the old holes, sand them back, and then paint the door frame.
Step 10
Install weather stripping
Upon completion of the door installation, verify that the door swings smoothly and that the handle and deadbolt are locked securely. Install weather stripping on the exterior of the door.
If re-installing the old weather stripping, it should go right back in place. If replacement weather stripping is used, it is highly unlikely the new holes will line up with the old holes. Ensure all holes have been covered and not exposed to moisture over time. If screw holes are exposed, fill with bondo, sand back and repaint.
FAQ
What is the difference between a door jamb and door frame?
It is common for these terms to be used interchangeably; however, a door jamb refers to a specific section of a door frame. A door frame is composed of two side jambs on either side of the door and a horizontal head jamb across the top of the door.
Can you just replace a door without replacing the frame?
Yes, given that the door frame is in good condition and the slab door is a compatible size.
