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How To Install An Exterior Door
How to Install an Exterior Door: A Step-by-Step Guide
Upgrading your entryway can completely transform your home's curb appeal. It can also improve energy efficiency, saving you money on utility bills while keeping your living space comfortable year-round. Figuring out how to install exterior door units might seem like a heavy lift, but with the right preparation and a bit of patience, it is a highly rewarding project.
We highly recommend using a prehung door for this project. Because the door and frame come packaged together as one unit, it’s a much easier option that helps ensure a precise fit when installed correctly.
Watch: How to Install an Exterior Door
For a quick visual breakdown of the process, check out our video below. It walks you through the entire process from start to finish, so you can install your new door with precision.
On This Page
• Tools and Materials You’ll Need
• Preparing for Exterior Door Installation
• How to Install an Exterior Door
• Choosing the Right Exterior Door
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather your supplies. Having everything within reach makes the installation process much smoother.
• Prehung exterior door
• Level
• Hammer
• Drill/driver and screws
• Wood shims
• Silicone caulk
• Minimal-expanding foam insulation
• Hardware (lockset and doorknob)
• Safety glasses and gloves
Preparing for Exterior Door Installation
Here are some preparation steps you can take to ensure your new door fits properly.
Removing the Existing Door
Start by taking the old door off its hinges. Carefully pry away the interior and exterior trim using a hammer and pry bar. Remove the old door frame and clear away any leftover nails, screws, and old caulk from the opening.
Inspecting the Door Frame
Examine the exposed rough opening. Look for any signs of water damage, rot, or structural issues in the wood framing and subfloor. Repair or replace any damaged wood before moving forward.
Measuring for a New Door
Measure the width, height, and depth of the rough opening. You will need these exact dimensions to choose a prehung door that fits your space correctly. Check that the floor is level so your new threshold sits flat.
How to Install an Exterior Door
With your rough opening prepped, you’re ready to put the new unit in place. Follow these steps for a secure, functional installation.
Step 1: Position the New Door
Apply a thick, continuous bead of silicone caulk along the subfloor where the threshold will sit. With a helper, carefully tilt the prehung door into the rough opening, resting the bottom on the caulked floor first.
Step 2: Level and Shim the Frame
Place your level against the hinge side of the door frame. Insert wood shims into the gaps between the door jamb and the wall framing, specifically behind the hinges. Adjust the shims until the frame is perfectly plumb and square.
Step 3: Secure the Door
Once everything is level, drive long anchor screws through the hinges, through the shims, and directly into the wall studs. This provides the structural support your heavy exterior door needs. Repeat the shimming and screwing process on the latch side of the frame.
Step 4: Seal and Insulate
Energy efficiency relies heavily on this step. Use minimal-expanding foam insulation to fill the gaps between the door frame and the wall studs. Once the foam cures, apply exterior-grade caulk around the outside trim to prevent moisture and drafts from entering your home.
Step 5: Install Hardware
Attach your lockset, doorknob, and strike plate according to the manufacturer's instructions. Open and close the door a few times to ensure the latch catches securely and the door swings smoothly.
Choosing the Right Exterior Door
When selecting your new door, consider your home's style and your specific needs. Fiberglass doors offer incredible durability and can mimic the look of real wood, steel doors provide maximum security and easy maintenance, and wood doors deliver classic, timeless beauty. You can also choose from various glass inserts to let in natural light.
Whatever your preference, you can find exactly what you need at the Guaranteed Lowest Price. Browse Home Outlet’s exterior doors and installation materials today to find the perfect fit for your next project.
