How to fit a new front door
You will need:
-
A new wooden door
- Screwdriver
- Drill
- Chisel
- Mallet
- Try square
- Pencil
- Tape measure
- Hinges and screws
- Plane
- Saw or circular saw
- Wooden wedges
- Abrasive paper
A front door has to fit well to be secure and keep out the draughts. It's a straight-forward job, but remember that after you hang the door you will have to fit the locks and any other door furniture like a letter slot and door knocker.
Time to complete job: A week-end - and remember to allow time for painting or varnishing and fitting new locks.
Approximate budget: Expect to pay at least £150 for a good door.
First steps
Buy the best quality door and locks you can afford. Front doors have to stand a lot of wear and tear. Always check your new door has no splits or damage before you hang it.
For professional advice, visit the Institute of Carpenters website.
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Measuring
Measure the door frame width and length at two points (as the timber may not be square). Transfer these measurements to the new door. You should allow 5mm (0.2in) clearance at the bottom and 3mm (0.1in) on the other three sides.
Undo the hinge screws on the existing door and remove.
Tip: You may need to use an old chisel to scrap away old paint on the screwheads. -
Cutting the door to size
Cut the new door to size with a circular saw. If there is less than 5mm (0.2in) to trim off, it's easier to use an electric or hand planer instead.
Tip: Always reduce a door's size equally from both sides or from the top and bottom. You shouldn't cut off more than 15mm (0.6in) from any edge or it may weaken the joints. -
Checking the fit
Sand smooth any rough areas and fit the door into the opening, wedged in position at the bottom, to check the fit. If you have bought new hinges, fit them into the hinge recesses in the door frame. Place the door in the frame and support on two timber wedges.
Tip: If you have thick carpet, fit rising butt hinges that will lift the door upwards as it opens. -
Marking the hinge positions
Pencil the hinge positions onto the door edge. Mark around the hinge positions and use a try square to mark across the door edge.
Chisel out the waste wood so that the hinges are flush with the door edge. Chop out the waste wood by making cuts at 5mm (0.2in) intervals across the grain. -
Fixing the hinges
To make starter holes for the screws, unscrew the hinges and mark through the holes. Drill the holes with a 3mm (0.1in) diameter wood bit.
Hold the door open in the frame and screw the hinges onto the door. Attach the hinge flaps to the door frame with only one screw. Check the door opens and closes easily, then fit the rest of the screws.
Tip: This part of the job is easier if you have a helper to hold the door steady.
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