The first step in replacing an interior door is to assess the current door and determine why you want to replace it. Carefully examine the existing door and take notes on the following:
- What material is the current door made of - wood, hollow core, solid core? This will determine if you need a wood door or hollow core replacement.
- What size is the current door? Measure the height and width and write down the measurements. New doors come in common sizes like 30", 32", 36" etc. You'll need a replacement door with the same measurements.
- Does the door currently open to the left or right? Note the door's swing direction.
- Is the door in good condition structurally or is it warped, split or damaged? If severely damaged you may need to replace the entire door jamb as well.
- Do you need to match a particular style? Note details like paneling, glass cutouts, etc.
- Does it function properly or have issues like sticking, locking improperly, etc?
- What is the reason for replacement? Improved appearance, privacy, soundproofing? This will inform the type of door you choose.
Carefully assessing the existing door and determining what you want improved will ensure you choose the best replacement door to meet your needs.
Select the New Door
When selecting a new door, you'll first want to decide on the material. The most common interior door materials are:
- Wood - Classic and attractive, wood comes in various types like oak, maple, pine etc. It provides a traditional, warm look but requires more maintenance than other materials.
- Fiberglass - Dent-resistant and low maintenance, fiberglass looks similar to wood but doesn't warp or rot. It's more expensive than wood but lasts longer.
- Steel - A budget-friendly option, steel doors are lightweight, durable and energy efficient. However, they don't offer much aesthetic appeal.
- Glass - Glass doors allow light to flow between rooms. They come in numerous styles, ranging from minimalist metal frames to ornate wood designs.
Consider the look you want and your budget. Measure the current door size and choose one in the same dimensions. Standard interior door sizes are:
- 30" x 80"
- 32” x 80”
- 36” x 80”
Doors are available in various thicknesses - 1 3/8” is typical for interior doors. You'll also want to pick a style - slab, panel, French, etc. Selecting the same style as your existing door makes for a seamless look.
Once you decide on material, size and style, purchase the new door along with the necessary hardware. Make sure to buy any additional trim or molding needed for finishing. With the right door in hand, you'll be ready to replace your existing one.
Gather Necessary Tools and Materials
You will need several tools and materials to replace a door. Having these on hand before starting will make the process go much smoother.
Tools
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Level
- Drill/driver
- Screwdriver
- Utility knife
- Hammer
- Wood chisel
- Sandpaper
Be sure any power tools are charged and in good working order before starting. You don't want your drill battery to die mid-project!
Materials
- New door (sized to fit opening)
- Shims
- Screws (for door hinges and jamb)
- Wood putty
- Caulk
- Door trim
- Paint/stain and supplies
The specific hinges, knob/handle, and other hardware will depend on your new door. Make sure you have all the necessary mounting hardware for the new door before removing the old one.
It's also a good idea to have a few extra supplies on hand like wood glue, nails, and extra screws. Having these extras will allow you to address any unforeseen issues.
Once you've gathered all the necessary tools and materials, you'll be ready to start replacing your door! Just follow the rest of the steps carefully.
Remove the Existing Door
Begin by removing any trim or molding around the door frame using a pry bar. Be gentle when removing to avoid damaging the trim.
Next, remove the door knob or handleset. There is typically a screw or set screw that needs to be loosened to detach the knob. Place the hardware aside so it can be reused or replaced.
Then remove the hinge pins from the jamb side. Start by pushing the pins up as far as they will go, which should allow you to pull them out of the barrel. You may need to tap the bottom of the pins with a hammer.
With the hinge pins removed, have someone support the weight of the door while you unscrew the hinge plates from the door frame. Set the door aside in a safe place.
Use a utility knife to cut through any remaining caulk or paint sealing the door frame. Carefully pry off the stop molding around the inside perimeter of the frame. Pay attention to how the stop molding is positioned so you can replace it properly later.
Thoroughly clean the door frame of any residual debris or old caulk. Sand down any uneven areas so the new door will fit smoothly. Vacuum up any dust. The opening should now be ready for the new door.
Prepare and Install the New Door
Before installing the new door, you'll need to make a few adjustments to ensure it fits properly in the opening. Here are the key steps:
- Cut the door to size - Measure the height and width of the door opening and compare to the dimensions of the new door. Use a circular saw to carefully trim the door down to size so it fits in the opening. Make sure to cut equally from both sides to keep the door square.
- Mortise hinges - Most new doors come pre-drilled for the doorknob and deadbolt, but you'll need to mortise out space for the hinges. Mark the hinge locations on the door edge based on your existing hinge layout. Chisel out recesses for the hinge leaves to sit flush within the door edge.
- Hang the door - With the hinges mounted to the door, lift the door into place in the opening. Have someone support the door while you screw the hinges into the jamb. Use shims between the jamb and door if needed to adjust for a proper fit and alignment. Ensure the spacing between the door edge and jamb is even all the way around.
The door should now be hung in the opening! Make sure it opens and closes smoothly without rubbing. Now you're ready to install the knob and finish off the job. Let the door hang for 1-2 days before trimming or painting to allow the wood to acclimate.
Install the Knob/Handleset
The knob or handleset is what allows you to open and close the door. Follow these steps to properly install it:
- If the knob/handleset has a latch bolt, extend it and make sure it lines up properly with the strike plate on the door frame.
- Position the interior knob/lever and exterior knob/handle on the door, making sure they are oriented correctly. The outside portion will generally have a place to insert a key while the inside will not.
- Align the screw holes on the knobs/handles with the screw holes on the door. Insert the screws to attach the knobs/handles securely. Make sure not to overtighten.
- Verify that the lock mechanism is working smoothly by locking and unlocking the door a few times. The latch bolt should extend and retract easily.
- If there is a plate surrounding the knob/handle, position it correctly and attach with screws.
- Follow any other special instructions provided by the manufacturer. Some handlesets may require additional steps for proper alignment and attachment.
- Once installed, confirm that the knob/handle feels sturdy and allows the door to open and close without any issues.
- Perform a final test by locking the door with the key and ensuring it cannot be opened from the other side without the key.
Your new knob or handleset should now be fully installed and functional! Opening and closing the door should feel smooth.
##Caulk and Paint
After installing the new door, you'll want to ensure it is properly sealed and looks uniform with the surrounding wall color. This involves applying caulk and giving the door at least one coat of paint.
- Caulk gaps between the door jamb and wall with a silicone caulk. This will create a watertight seal. Use a caulk gun or finger to apply the caulk in any gaps or cracks. Smooth it out with a putty knife. Let the caulk dry completely before painting.
- Lightly sand the door with fine grit sandpaper to help the paint adhere. Wipe off any dust.
- Prime the door, using a high quality primer suited for the door material. Apply a thin, even coat and let it dry fully.
- Paint the door, using either a brush, roller, or paint sprayer. Allow sufficient time between coats for drying. One coat may suffice depending on color, but two coats often looks best.
- Paint the door trim to match the wall color if needed.
- Remove any paint drips right away with a knife. Let the paint cure fully before closing the door or re-installing hardware.
Properly painting and sealing your new door will help protect it from elements while allowing it to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding wall. Take your time with this step to achieve a professional looking finish.
Add Trim and Finish
Once your new door is installed, it's time to add trim and make any final adjustments to complete the job. Carefully reinstall any trim that was removed around the door frame. Use a pry bar to gently remove the old trim nails. You may need to use wood putty or caulk to fill any holes or gaps from the old trim.
When installing new trim, make sure it lays flush against the door frame. Use a nail gun or hammer and finish nails to secure the trim in place. Fill nail holes with wood putty and let dry completely. Lightly sand the trim to smooth out any rough edges or uneven spots.
You'll also want to do a final check that the door operates properly. Test to make sure it opens and closes smoothly without rubbing against the door jamb. If needed, adjust the hinges or use a wood planer to shave the door edge so there is proper clearance.
Finish up by giving the trim and door frame a fresh coat of paint. This will give your new door a clean, seamless look. Carefully brush paint onto the trim, wiping away any drips. Allow the paint to dry fully before closing the door. Your beautiful new door is ready to be admired and used!
Dispose of the Old Door
When replacing a door, don't forget about the final step - properly disposing of the old door. There are a few options for handling an old door:
- Break it down into smaller pieces. Using a hammer or pry bar, break the door down into smaller sections that will be easier to handle. Break apart the door into panels, remove hardware, etc. Wear safety glasses when breaking down the door.
- Recycle it. Many municipalities accept old doors for recycling, either as part of regular recycling pickup or through bulk waste pickup. Contact your local recycling center to ask about options and requirements for recycling a door. Make sure to remove any hardware, glass, or other non-wood components first.
- Donate it. Check with organizations like Habitat for Humanity to see if they will accept an old door donation. They may be able to reuse or repurpose the door.
- Sell it. Try listing the door on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or a reuse platform as a low-cost option for someone else's project.
- Use it elsewhere. Can you repurpose the door somewhere else around the home, like in a garage, shed, or basement? Get creative with reusing the door.
- Dispose as waste. As a last resort, put the door out with your regular household waste pickup if other options don't work. Break it down into manageable sized pieces first.
Properly disposing of the old door completes your door replacement project! With some smart planning, you can keep the door out of a landfill.
Enjoy Your New Door!
After all that hard work installing your new door, take a step back and admire how great it looks! Test the door by opening and closing it a few times to make sure it operates smoothly and closes properly. Check that the latch catches securely in the strike plate and the door seals tightly. Make any minor adjustments needed to the hinges or strike plate.
Now you can relax and enjoy the renewed look, increased comfort, and added functionality your new door provides. A door replacement project can completely transform the feel of a room. With your beautiful new door installed seamlessly into the door frame, you may wonder why you waited so long to replace it! Project complete - go ahead and show off your new door to family and friends!
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