What materials do you need to install a door in your home?
Door hardware installation is easy, but you’ll need a few tools and hardware to complete the job. A door is one of the most important fixtures in your home. It can make or break the style of a room and define how you feel about entering that space.
The most important thing to remember when installing your door is that it will take some serious hardware. So, if you’re considering doing it yourself, don’t just take a screwdriver and expect to get the job done. Before starting, you’ll need to spend some time shopping for your tools and hardware. You can find some great hardware at a lumber store.
Whether you use a traditional solid or hollow-core door, you’ll need to do some research before buying all your hardware. Many companies will offer simple kits that include everything you need; others will give you the tools and hardware but not the door itself.
If you want the door, purchase the hinge and lock system separately and install them yourself.
1. Remove the Old Door
The most important tool you’ll need for this job is a screwdriver, unless you’re lucky enough to be able to remove the old door intact. If the door is completely broken down and the hinges are removed from their holes, you should be ready to move on to step two.
To remove your old door, it’s first important to clean off all of the staples, nails, and screws holding together the door and frame. When removing door hardware, a pry bar or flat-head screwdriver can be used. It will take little time or effort to get rid of the hardware. Once you’re ready, it’s time to remove your old door by cutting through the hinges and frame.
Now that you have your old door removed, it’s time to adjust the new one according to the precise measurements and specifications given on the manufacturer’s packaging. You will also determine whether or not you need to install a hinge inside the lock. If you choose not to install these accessories just yet, save yourself some time by pulling out your drill and taking care of it in one fell swoop.
2. Trim Away the Excess
If you use a wood door, door hardware installation experts must complete this step before moving on to the next one. If your door is hollow, move on to step four. For your picture to fit into the frame, you must remove some excess trim on all sides.
Home improvement experts recommend approaching a job like this with a handsaw. Wear protective goggles to protect your eyes from any pieces flying off while cutting the wood.
Once the excess trim is cut away, place the door in its new frame for final adjustments and measurements. You may need to start over in this step if your door is too long or too short for the space provided.
Door hardware installation always requires a little bit of trimming. Before installing your hinges and door lock system, you’ll have to cut some cover boards or baseboards to create the proper fit with the new door. In this case, you need to ensure that the new door is flush with the old one and that there are no gaps between them.
3. Attach the Hinges
For most doors, you will need to attach the hinges to the top and bottom of the door before installing them on the frame. Some manufacturers will provide this hardware for you; others will not. Instructions for installing hinges vary from model to model, so only work with one hinge at a time when performing this step.
You’ll need a power drill to complete this step. Before you attach the hinges, it’s important to ensure they’re facing in the right direction. Take a closer look at the packaging and ensure you set your hinges up correctly. Once they’re correctly positioned, use your power drill to screw them into place with screws included in the packaging.
4. Install the Door Lock System
You’ll need to install your lock and latch system before installing the hinge. If using a hollow door, ensure the handle is facing the right way when attaching your lock system.
Some open doors will have a handle facing you, while others have their grips on the inside of the door. People might not want this feature because it limits how much they can adjust the door in their space. But if you are handy with power tools and do a little research into installing door locks, you can save yourself some money by installing them.
Measure the rough opening in the frame of the door. You must ensure there is enough room for the lock to swing into position. Once everything is measured and cut, secure the safety with screws and a power drill.
5. Tools Required for Door Installation
Door installation is a great way to save money and earn points for a home improvement project. It’s important to have the right tools for the job. If you’re doing this for your home, you might already have some of these tools for home improvement.
You’ll need a drill, a pry bar, screws, power tools, and maybe some sandpaper. If you still need more time and the new door is halfway in the frame, you should run back to the lumber store to pick up the other necessary supplies.
You will need a few hinges, but make sure you don’t leave space between them and the door. This can cause instability in the door and frame, so keep it in mind. You’ll also need plenty of screws and nails to secure the trim around your new door. Use your pry bar to ensure everything is positioned correctly before you begin screwing anything into place.
Door hardware installation is something that most people will encounter in their lifetime. It’s a great skill and relatively easy to do on your own.
Saving up for a new door or buying one can be difficult, especially if you need the proper savings or credit, so try doing the installation yourself first to see how much of a difference it makes.
For Door Installation Solutions, go to Peninsular Lumber
You can find all of the door installation materials you need at Peninsular Lumber.
For over 75 years, our team has assisted custom home builders and homeowners find and choose lumber and building materials for projects. If you’re looking for lumber supplies, visit our lumber company in Tampa Bay today!
