replacing my front entry door

i want to replace my front entry door (with basically the same type/style). i know a pre-hung door is easier than a slab one, but im no carpenter and im afraid to remove the trim and all. is this something easy to do or should i get someone else to do it? thanks

 

It's actually a fairly easy job to install a prehung entry door. I don't know what your current setup is, but most prehung doors come with the exterior trim (brick mold) attached. Interior door casing can be saved and reinstalled if removed carefully.
If you decide to DIY you will need a few tools and probably some help depending on the weight of the door.

Replacing the door is as easy as removing the existing door and jamb and sliding the new one into place. Most doors come with installation instructions.

The most important tool you will need is a level for making sure the door is plumb. A reciprocating saw is handy for removing the old jamb. A caulking gun should be used to seal the threshold and around the exterior trim. Other than that a hammer and drill driver are probably all the tools you'll need.

 

the trim on the exterior comes with the new door, so i dont have to save the old trim (except the interior trim). there shouldnt really be any cutting involved, the new door should just fit right in, huh). i think im gonna give it a try. i have a storm door (which i put up myself) ill have to remove that, right?

 

Remove the storm door and frame first and set aside for re-intallation.
Remove inside trim.
Remove old entry door unit (door and jamb).
Install new entry door.
Install lock.
Install storm door and frame.
Install interior trim.

 

An easy way to get the door out once you have removed the exterior trim, is to take a reciprocating saw with a metal blade, and cut the nails along the side and top of the door frame between it and the framing. That way, the door frame will literally fall out without tearing up the framework. If it is still in fairly good condition, donate it to a charity for recycling.

 

thanks for the help guys, im going to give it a try next weekend

 

Danny - good for you. You won't be disappointed.

BTW - the sawzall recommendation is for cutting loose the old jamb. You can do it with a hacksaw or just pull the nails, but a reciprocating saw makes it a 5 minute job.

How about posting back how you made out?

 

Has anyone ever removed an entry door from the inside ?
My house is vinyl siding and I would rather not re trim the outside after The new one is installed
Dave

 

Welcome to the forums Dave

If you want/need to leave the exterior trim in place you might be better off just replacing the door - if that's an option. Most blank/slab doors don't come with the holes or hinge mortise precut. IMO installing the hinges [correctly] is the hardest part.

 

Thanks for the reply. The real issue is the sidelights. The door/sidelights are probably the the original ( from '63 ).
The sidelight glass sweats terribly in the cold weather. The glazing needs work so I figured to replace the whole thing.

 

Any glass shop could make you a couple custom sized insulating glass units (IGU's) to replace your sidelights. If the rest of the door is still in good shape, it would probably save you about $2000.

 

I will look into that !
Thanks

 

Hello all,

I'm working on an 1958 California home doing much of the work myself. I'd like to replace the entry and patio doors for a number of reasons but am flustered about the way to go about it.

I've been reading up and fiberglass doors sound like the ticket because of their r-value, but they come pre-hung.

The old entry door framing is metal and runs up to the drywall and stucco on the outside. They are funny in that the hinges on the frame side are behind the "casing" so I would not easily replace the hinges.

Would you recommend removing the old metal framing (if so, how) and putting in a pre-hung door, or would it be better (easier) to buy a wood slab and work with that.

Here are some pictures.