How to install a front door?

Exterior doors are an integral part of the façade of any home. Get advice from our professionals to help you install your new front door. To complete the installation of a front door and improve the energy efficiency of your home, we recommend setting aside approximately half a day and asking at least one person to help you.

Installing a front door

Although installing a front door may seem like a daunting task, when you follow the right steps, it’s a lot easier than you might think! Here are some tips to help you successfully install your new front door.

1. Measuring the door opening

1.1 Remove the door casing to expose the doorjamb.
1.2 Measure the interior width in three different places and the interior height in three different places.
1.3 Measure the depth in three different places and make a note of the shortest measurement.

2. Preparing the opening

2.1 Remove the old door, the interior and exterior casing, the frame and the metal threshold.

2.2 Clean the opening to eliminate any residue, insulation or other remaining materials.
2.3 Make sure that all of the frame components are in good condition. Remove any debris from the wood frame and repair or replace any wood that’s moldy or damaged.
2.4 Place the doorjamb in the opening to make sure that it fits correctly.
2.5 Verify the fit with the exterior cladding.

3. Positioning and attaching the door

3.1 Lean the edge of the door on the frame.
3.2 Adjust the threshold using shims, if necessary.
3.3 From the inside, use shims to secure the door in place.
3.4 Insert shims between the wall uprights and the doorjamb at the level of the lock and hinges, making sure to place the shims at the same height on each side. Maintain ⅛” of clearance between the doorjamb and the door.
3.5 Continuously check to make sure that the frame is level and plumb. Use enough shims to support the frame, but not so many as to force it.
3.6 Replace one of the screws on each hinge with a 3″ toggle bolt and screw it through the shims into the verticals of the doorframe.
3.7 From the inside, level the doorjamb on each side and measure the two diagonals of the doorframe. They should be nearly identical (with a difference of less than ⅛”).
3.8 Make sure that the frame is level and plumb. A variation of ¹∕₁₆” or less is acceptable.
3.9 Verify that the door opens and closes correctly and that it is correctly aligned with the sides and the threshold.

4. Screwing the door into the frame

4.1 Screw the doorjamb on the hinge side through the shims and into the vertical of the doorframe.
4.2 Screw in the doorjamb on the handle side, maintaining an equal distance between the door and the head of the doorjamb.
4.3 Screw the box into the wall uprights according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4.4 Make sure the door opens and closes correctly before completely tightening the screws.
4.5 Nail the exterior casing onto the verticals.

5. Insulating and finishing the door on the inside

5.1 Cut off the ends of any shims that protrude past the wall.
5.2 Install fiberglass insulation all along the perimeter of the frame without compressing it excessively.
5.3 Fill the entire space with continuous lengths of insulation, rather than inserting separate small pieces.
5.4 If you installed shims underneath the threshold, seal the spaces between the shims with caulk.
5.5 Install the interior casing, frame and threshold.

6. Caulking the frame and finishing the exterior

6.1 If necessary, insert a neoprene draft stopper between the doorjamb and the frame.
6.2 Apply a silicone-based caulking compound around the perimeter of the exterior frame.
6.3 Install the doorknob, lock and interior frame.