DIY Guide to Installing a New Front Door: Increase Your Home's Value and Curb Appeal

Installing a new front door can be a rewarding DIY project that can not only increase the value of your home, but also improve its curb appeal and energy efficiency. It is important to properly prepare and measure before purchasing your new door, as well as to follow all necessary safety precautions during the installation process. With the right tools and materials, you can successfully replace your old front door and give your home a fresh, new look.

Step 1: Measure and Prepare the Door Opening

• As you learn how to install an exterior door, start by making some measurements. To get accurate measurements for a pre-hung door, measure the height of your home's door opening first. You will measure vertically from the floor to the top of the door jamb. Next, determine the width of the doorway. Measure from side to side once near the top of the doorway, in the middle of the doorway, and close to the bottom of the doorway. Use the shortest measurement if they are not all the same. Finally, you need to know the width of the door jamb. On one side of the door jamb, measure from the front edge of the door frame to the back edge of the door frame.
• When selecting a door, you'll need to know the "handedness" of the door. An easy way to do this is to simply open the door. Stand in the doorframe with your back along the hinges. If the hand by the doorknob is on your right, it's a right-handed door. If it's on your left, you have a left-handed door. As you figure out how to install an exterior door, make a note of what direction the door should swing open. Also decide where you’d like the door handle or knob to be. While the new door is still in its package, check to confirm the hinges and the handle placement are what you need.
• Exterior doors can be heavy and cumbersome, especially insulated doors made of steel. Some wood front doors can also be quite heavy. No matter what kind of door you select, ask someone to help you with door installation. Working with another person will make the job easier.
• To put in a new pre-hung door, you will need to prepare the rough opening of the door. If you’re replacing an existing door, it needs to be removed. With the door open, unscrew the hinges. The person helping you can hold the door as you separate it from the hinges and take it out of the frame.

Step 2: Center and Test-Fit the Door and Frame

• Before unpacking the new door, measure the rough opening of the doorway to double check that the new door is the right size. Once your new door is out of the package, measure it to make sure it will fit before you start installing it. During installation, leave the retaining brackets that hold the door closed in place.
• Center the door and frame in the rough opening as a test fit. Use a level to make sure the door is plumb. If necessary, shim under the lower side jamb until the door is plumb. Adjust as necessary to keep the door jambs square with each other. Double check to make sure the door is centered.

Step 3: Trace the Moulding

• Trace the outline of the moulding onto the siding. If you have vinyl siding or metal siding, be sure to enlarge the outline to make room for the extra trim required. Remove the door frame after finishing the outline.

Step 4: Cut Along the Outline and Cut the Drip Edge

• Cut along the outline down to the sheathing. With your safety glasses on, start the cut with the blade clear of the siding, and then lower the moving blade into it. Stop just short of the corners to prevent damaging the siding that will remain. Finish the corners with a sharp wood chisel.
• Cut a piece of the drip edge to fit the width of the rough opening. To provide a moisture barrier, apply building paper to the exposed areas of the walls and door frame. Cut the drip edge to fit the width of the rough opening and slide it underneath the siding at the top of the opening. Do not nail the drip edge.

Step 5: Check the Fit

• Check the fit before installing a new door, and enlarge the opening as necessary. Once you are satisfied with the fit of the door, remove it and apply several thick beads of silicone caulk to the bottom of the doorsill. Caulk underneath the spots where the bottom of the jamb and brick moulding will go.

Step 6: Install the Brick Moulding if necessary

• Install the brick moulding around the opening. Use galvanized casing nails that are long enough to go through the door jamb and into the framing behind it.

Step 7: Install the Door

• Install the door according to the manufacturer's instructions. If the door is pre-hung (meaning it comes with a frame and hinges already attached), lift it into place and attach it to the hinges. If the door is not pre-hung, attach the hinges to the door according to the manufacturer's instructions. Hold the door up to the frame and mark the locations for the hinges on the frame. Remove the door and attach the hinges to the frame using screws. Place the door back into the frame and adjust it as necessary to ensure it is level and swings smoothly.

Step 8: Install the Doorknob and Lock

• If your new door does not come with a doorknob and lock, follow the manufacturer's instructions to install them. If the door does come with a doorknob and lock, install them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Test the lock to make sure it is functioning properly.

Step 9: Install the Trim and Molding

• If the old trim and molding is in good condition, reattach it to the door frame using nails or screws. If the old trim and molding is not in good condition, purchase new trim and molding and attach it to the door frame using nails or screws. Fill any nail holes with wood filler and sand the trim and molding smooth.Step 10: Finish and Paint the Door

Step 10: Finish and Paint the Door

• Finish the door according to the manufacturer's instructions or personal preference. This may include staining, varnishing, or painting the door. If painting, apply a coat of primer to the door and allow it to dry. Once the primer is dry, apply the desired number of coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.

Step 11: Adjust and Check the Door

• Once the paint has completely dried, adjust the door if necessary. This may include adjusting the hinges or the doorknob/lock. Test the door to make sure it opens and closes smoothly and properly.

Step 12: Clean Up

• Clean up any debris and tools that were used during the installation process. Dispose of all materials properly.

Installing a new front door can be a challenging but rewarding DIY project. By following these steps and taking proper safety precautions, you can successfully replace your old front door and increase the value and appeal of your home. Proper preparation and measuring, as well as attention to detail, will help ensure a smooth and successful installation.