Changing Out Door Frame

In some cases door latch plate mortises might need to be cut or enlarged.

Changing out door frame.

Make sure the door is closed while you straighten the frame. This will help you measure whether the door is even or planed with the frame. Our brick opening was level and plumb but this isn t always the case. Cut out and replace any rotted wood.

After the door frame is out check the condition of the framing and subflooring in the sill area. Leave the hinges on the door. Use a putty knife or chisel to remove any old caulking or thick layer of paint on the door jamb or siding. First remove the existing door trim and frame.

If you have a little carpentry experience this is likely a project you can tackle by yourself. If your door frame is damaged the best thing to do is to replace it with a pre hung door which comes inside a pre built frame. Use a small thick piece of wood to cover the area you are hammering. Use a flat pry bar to remove the door casing being careful not to damage adjoining surfaces.

If the sill on your new door is thinner than the one you removed you may have to build up the sill area. Gently hammer the frame in the direction necessary to level out both sides of the frame. Begin by removing the screws from the door knob on the interior side of your door. Use a utility knife to cut through the paint and caulk where the casing meets the door jamb siding and miter joint.

Then install a pre hung door and replace the trim. With a hammer and wood nails or wood putty attach the pieces of the new frame above and to the sides of the door itself. You may want to use both nails and putty in order to ensure that the frame is securely attached around the door. This allows you to pull the door knobs off the door from both sides.

Place the door with the exterior side down across two sawhorses. Watch to learn how to install a prehung exterior door. Remove the old door from the jamb. Got a door that s due for any upgrade.

Use a cordless gun to unscrew the hinges from the jamb. Be sure to follow any instructions on the wood putty container and allow for plenty of time for the putty to dry.