How to Install a Wood Door

A wooden door is a great addition to any home. It’s also a practical addition, as it’s more resistant to damage than plastic doors and provides a nice barrier against pests.

But installing a wood door isn’t always easy. Fortunately, there’s a little bit of preparation that can make the job go much more smoothly.

Start by removing the old door. Unless you’re planning to reuse the hinges, it’s best to have someone else hold the door as you remove it. Then, you can carefully pull it apart from the door frame.

Before you replace the door, measure from one side of the doorway to the other. This will help you choose the size of your new door.

If you don’t know how to do this, ask a professional for help. This will make the job go faster and ensure that your new door fits properly.

Installing a wood door requires more work than replacing plastic or aluminum doors, so it’s better to have another person helping you.

Step 1: Prepare the rough opening

Before you begin installing the new door, prep the rough opening in the wall by cutting a groove in the wood with a chisel. This creates a spot for the door latch plate to fit.

Step 2: Shimming

After preparing the rough opening, shim your door to make it plumb and level. This is the most important part of the installation because it tweaks the frame to make sure your door works well and hangs flat so that it doesn’t knock against the walls when you open or close it.