6 Simple Steps to Install a Pre-Hung Entry Door

Pre-Hung Entry Door Installation
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How to Install a Pre-Hung Entry Door

A pre-hung entry door is a door that comes with the frame already attached. This makes it much easier to install than a traditional door, which requires you to build the frame yourself. Pre-hung doors are also more energy-efficient than traditional doors because they have a weatherstripping seal that helps to keep out drafts.

Step 1: Gather your materials

Before you begin the pre hung door installation, you will need to gather the following materials:

A pre-hung door
A level
A measuring tape
A pencil
A drill
Screws
A hammer
A caulking gun
Caulk

Step 2: Measure the door opening

The first step is to measure the door opening. The door opening is the space in the wall where the door will be installed. To measure the door opening, use a measuring tape to measure the height and width of the opening.

Next, you will need to mark the location of the door opening on the wall. To do this, use a pencil to draw a line around the perimeter of the door opening.

Once you have marked the location of the door opening, you can begin to install the door. To install the door, first lift the door into the door opening. Then, use a level to make sure that the door is level. Once the door is level, use screws to secure the door to the wall. Finally, caulk the gap between the door and the wall.

Preparing the Doorway

Before you can install a pre-hung entry door, you must properly prepare the doorway to ensure a successful installation.

Measuring the Doorway

First and foremost, accurately determine the dimensions of the doorway opening. Measure both the height and width at multiple points to account for any unevenness. Note the rough opening size, which is the size of the framing surrounding the doorway, and the finished opening size, which is the size of the actual door that will be installed.

Inspecting the Framing

Thoroughly inspect the framing around the doorway for any signs of damage or rot. Look for any loose or broken framing members and replace them if necessary. Ensure that the framing is plumb and level to provide a solid foundation for the new door.

Creating a Weatherproof Barrier

To prevent moisture penetration, install a weatherproof barrier around the perimeter of the rough opening. Apply a layer of flashing tape or building paper over the framing and extend it onto the exterior sheathing. Seal any gaps or seams with caulk to create a watertight seal.

Required Tools:
Level Framing square Measuring tape Caulk gun Hammer or nail gun Flashing tape or building paper

Removing the Old Door

Before you can install your new pre-hung entry door, you must remove the old one. Here are the steps to remove the old door quickly and efficiently.

1. Safety First

Before you begin, turn off the power to the door and remove any electrical components. Also, remove any door stoppers, kick plates, or other hardware.

2. Remove the Door from the Frame

Using a pry bar or a flathead screwdriver, carefully remove the trim around the door. Pry the trim loose from the door frame, being careful not to damage the drywall or plaster.
Once the trim is removed, you can begin to remove the door from the frame. Open the door and insert a pry bar or flathead screwdriver between the top of the door and the frame. Gently pry the door up until it is loose from the frame. Repeat this process for the bottom of the door.

Once the top and bottom are loose, you can lift the door out of the frame. Be careful not to drop the door, as it is heavy.

3. Remove the Old Door Frame

Once the door is removed, you can remove the old door frame. To do this, use a pry bar or a reciprocating saw to cut the nails that are holding the frame in place. Be careful not to damage the framing of the house while removing the old door frame.

4. Clean Up the Opening

Once the old door frame is removed, you can clean up the opening. Remove any nails or screws that may be left behind. Also, clean up any debris or dirt that may have accumulated in the opening.

Now that you have removed the old door and frame, you are ready to install your new pre-hung entry door.

Installing the Door Frame

Installing the door frame is a crucial step in hanging a pre-hung entry door. It ensures the door’s proper alignment and functionality. Here’s a detailed guide on how to install the door frame:

Prepare the Opening: Ensure the door frame opening is level, plumb, and square. Remove any debris or obstructions.
Position the Frame: Place the frame in the opening and align it with the rough opening. Drive a few short nails through the frame’s flange into the studs to hold it temporarily.
Level and Plumb the Frame: Using a level and a plumb bob, check if the frame is level and plumb in both directions. Adjust the frame accordingly by driving shims under the legs or nailing it into the studs.
Secure the Frame: Once the frame is properly leveled and plumbed, drive nails through the frame’s flange into the studs. Start by nailing the top corners, then work your way around the frame, ensuring the nails are driven at an angle.
Install the Threshold: The threshold is the piece of wood that lines the bottom of the door frame. Slide the threshold into place and secure it to the floor with screws.

Tips for Leveling and Plumbing the Frame:

To ensure accuracy, use a torpedo level to check the frame’s level in both directions.

Use a plumb bob or a level with a plumb indicator to check the frame’s plumb.

Drive shims under the frame’s legs to adjust its height and level.

Nail the frame into the studs at an angle to prevent the nails from pulling out.

Measure the diagonal distance between the opposite corners of the frame to ensure it’s square.

Tool	Description
Torpedo Level	A small, handheld level used to check level in both directions
Plumb Bob	A weighted string used to check plumb, or vertical alignment
Shims	Thin pieces of wood or plastic used to adjust the height or level of the frame

Shimming the Door Frame

Once the door frame is in place, it needs to be shimmed to ensure that it is level and plumb. Shimming involves inserting thin pieces of material, called shims, between the frame and the rough opening to create a tight fit and prevent any gaps or movement.

To shim the door frame, follow these steps:

1. Insert Shims

Using a pry bar, gently insert shims between the frame and the rough opening. Start at the bottom corners and work your way up, placing shims about 12-18 inches apart.

2. Drive Shims

Once the shims are in place, use a hammer and tap them into the rough opening until they are snug. Avoid hammering too hard, as this can damage the frame or the shims.

3. Check for Level and Plumb

After each shim is driven in, check the level and plumb of the frame using a level and plumb bob. Adjust the shims as needed to ensure that the frame is perfectly square and level.

4. Measure and Cut Shims

If necessary, you may need to cut shims to fit specific spaces. To do this, measure the gap between the frame and the rough opening using a ruler or tape measure. Transfer the measurement to a shim and cut it to size using a sharp knife or utility blade.

Tool	Purpose
Pry bar	Inserting shims
Hammer	Driving shims into place
Level	Checking the frame for level
Plumb bob	Checking the frame for plumb
Ruler or tape measure	Measuring gaps
Sharp knife or utility blade	Cutting shims

Adjusting the Hinges

The hinges are critical to the proper operation of the door. Make sure they are properly aligned and adjusted to ensure smooth opening and closing. Follow these steps to adjust the hinges:

1. Check the Alignment

Open and close the door several times to observe its movement. Check if the door swings freely without any binding or rubbing. If you notice any issues, proceed to the next step.

2. Loosen the Hinge Screws

Using a screwdriver, slightly loosen the screws on the bottom hinge. Do not remove them completely.

3. Use a Pry Bar

Insert a pry bar between the door jamb and the door at the bottom hinge. Gently pry the door slightly away from the jamb.

4. Tighten the Screws

While holding the door in the adjusted position, tighten the bottom hinge screws. Ensure they are snug but not overly tightened.

5. Repeat for Other Hinges

If necessary, repeat steps 2-4 for the other hinges, making small adjustments as needed to align the door properly.

6. Check for Proper Operation

Open and close the door several times to check its operation. The door should swing smoothly without any binding or rubbing. If any adjustments are still necessary, repeat the above steps until the desired alignment is achieved.

Adjustment Needed	Adjustment Location
Door swings inward	Tighten the top hinge screws
Door swings outward	Loosen the top hinge screws
Door rubs the jamb at the top	Tighten the bottom hinge screws
Door rubs the jamb at the bottom	Loosen the bottom hinge screws

Installing the Threshold

The threshold is an essential component of an entry door, as it provides a stable base for the door and prevents water or air from leaking in. Installing the threshold correctly is critical for the proper functioning of the door and the overall integrity of the doorway.

Preparing the Opening

Remove the old threshold, if present.
Clean the opening and check for any unevenness or damage.
Level the surface using a spirit level.

Positioning and Fastening the Threshold

Place the new threshold in the opening, aligning it with the door frame.
Secure the threshold using nails or screws through pre-drilled holes.

Applying Sealant

Apply a layer of weatherproofing sealant around the perimeter of the threshold.
Use a putty knife to smooth the sealant and ensure a watertight seal.

Additional Considerations

For exterior doors, use a threshold with a weep hole to drain any water that may accumulate.
If using a threshold with a pan, install it underlayment to provide additional protection from water.

Threshold Types

Type	Description
Flat Threshold	A simple, straight threshold that is flush with the floor.
Saddle Threshold	A threshold with a raised lip on one side that provides a weather seal.
Pan Threshold	A threshold with a recessed pan that collects water from the exterior.

Finishing Touches

After the door is installed and the shims are in place, the next step is to secure the door frame to the rough opening. This can be done with nails or screws. If you are using nails, be sure to use galvanized nails that are long enough to penetrate the framing at least 1 1/2 inches.

Once the door frame is secured, you can trim the excess shims flush with the frame. You can do this with a utility knife or a sharp chisel.

Next, you need to install the casing. The casing is the trim that goes around the door frame. It is typically made of wood or MDF (medium-density fiberboard). To install the casing, you will need to cut it to length and then nail or glue it to the frame.

Once the casing is installed, you can paint or stain it to match the rest of the door.

10. Install the Door Stop

The door stop is a small piece of hardware that prevents the door from opening too far. It is typically installed on the jamb of the door frame. To install the door stop, you will need to mark the location of the strike plate on the doorstop and then drill a pilot hole. Once the pilot hole is drilled, you can screw the doorstop into place.

Material	Length	Width	Thickness
Wood	36 inches	1 1/2 inches	3/4 inch
MDF	36 inches	1 1/2 inches	5/8 inch

How to Install a Pre-Hung Entry Door

Installing a pre-hung entry door is a relatively straightforward project that can be completed in a day. Here are the steps on how to do it:

Remove the old door and frame.
Prepare the opening for the new door. This may involve shimming the frame or cutting the opening to fit the door.
Place the new door in the opening and secure it with screws.
Install the trim around the door.
Caulk around the door to seal it.