Exterior French doors can instantly upgrade your home’s aesthetic with an influx of stylish natural light. However, installing a new exterior door requires careful consideration and execution, particularly for novices embarking on their first DIY door installation project.
From assessing the current entryway to fitting and sealing the beautiful new exterior French doors, this guide covers the necessary steps for first-timers to successfully tackle this home improvement project. With proper preparation and patience, even DIY beginners can enhance their home with on-trend French doors.
Assessing the Current Exterior Door and Entry Area
Before selecting and purchasing new exterior French doors, you must assess your current entry point to determine precisely what you will need. Carefully examine the measurements, condition, potential damage, and structural integrity of the opening.
Laser Level the Entry Area
Using a laser level tool, analyze the doorway’s floor and framing to confirm it is straight, plumb, and square. This step allows you to spot any foundational deficiencies or warped opening sides that will need correction before fitting the doors.
Measure Width and Height Exactly
The new exterior French door unit must match the existing entryway width and height almost perfectly for ideal functionality and aesthetics. Use a steel tape measure for precise sizing to 1/8th of an inch. Remember to measure across various points as older homes often have settled unevenly. Note the narrowest height and width as your new door size.
Inspect Framing and Wall Condition
Examine the entry framing and surrounding wall area closely. Check for signs of structural damage, rotted wood, cracks, or other deficiencies requiring repair. Make any necessary fixes to create a sound framework before installation. It may also be wise to consult a structural engineer if the issues seem extensive.
Determine Swing Direction
Standard exterior French door units swing either to the inside or outside, so determine which direction works best for your floorplan. Also, account for potential obstructions such as decorative landscaping or furnishings that may block an outward swing.
Removing the Old Exterior Door Unit
Once satisfied the framework meets standards for supporting new French doors, the existing entryway can be removed. This process requires safety precautions, proper tools, and disposal services.
Tools and Safety Equipment Needed
Gather essentials like a pry bar, hammer, nails, screws, screwdriver, and safety glasses before starting demo. Be sure to wear durable gloves and closed-toe shoes as well.
Separate the Door from the Frame
If possible based on installation style, detach the door itself from the outer frame first. This allows both pieces to be maneuvered out separately through the opening with greater ease.
Remove Entire Existing Entryway
After disconnecting the door, utilize a pry bar and hammer to dismantle the frame starting with any trim pieces. Remove nails and screws then extract the frame cautiously to avoid exterior damage. Discard old components properly at a construction waste site.
Purchasing New Exterior French Doors
With accurate opening dimensions and the entryway cleared, selecting new exterior French doors can begin. Many aesthetics and functionality factors impact which model works best for your home.
Types of Exterior French Doors
- Double doors: Two operational door panels
- Single door: One stationary, one functioning panel
- True divided light: Multiple glass panes separated by muntins
- Simulated divided light: Grid pattern over a single panel
Popular Materials
Fiberglass, steel, aluminum, vinyl, wood, or composites each have unique durability, insulation, and maintenance considerations. Research which exterior French door material fits your climate and lifestyle best.
Glass and Screen Options
Customize light filtration and ventilation with the glass style, such as clear, frosted, or opaque panes. Integrated screen doors also provide adjustable air flow and insect protection.
Order Precise Measurements
Input the carefully measured opening dimensions when selecting the prehung exterior French door unit. Even a 1/4 inch size discrepancy can prevent proper installment and sealing.
Budget for Exterior French Doors
Quality prehung exterior French doors range widely in price from $500 into the thousands depending on materials and customization selected. Expect to pay at least $1000 or more for professional installation services as well.
Preparing the Rough Opening
After purchasing doors, shift focus back to the entry itself. The rough opening must be in flawless shape for trouble-free installment.
Examine for Remaining Damage
Reassess the framework at the installation site for any lingering deficiencies. Address them now with framing repairs to create the most durable base for mounting the entryway unit.
Recheck Opening Size
Use the same steel tape measure to confirm the ordered exterior French doors fall within proper height and width parameters of the rough opening. Compare your initial figures versus current to identify any changes from settling or repairs.
Plumb and Level Rough Opening
Make final tweaks to adjust the entry framework using shims until it is completely plumb and level. Your new exterior French doors must sit flush against a flat, straight surface for ideal performance and appearance.
Installing the New Exterior French Doors
With a prepared foundation ready, shift focus to correctly mounting the beautiful new exterior French doors into place securely. Work methodically to prevent costly adjustment or repairs later on.
Inspect New Door Unit
Before setting your new exterior French doors into the opening, unpack and thoroughly inspect them for any damage or defects. Check that included components like weatherstripping are also in good order.
Fit Doors into Opening
Lift the exterior French doors into position, setting the sill (bottom) down first. Center the unit and ensure it is square within the framed opening before releasing your hold entirely.
Check for Plumb and Level
Confirm the doors sit completely plumb and level within the entryway utilizing a multi-position level tool. Adjust with shims if needed to achieve perfection.
Secure New Entryway in Place
Attach the prehung exterior French door framework securely into the rough stud opening. Use provided nails and screws through exterior trim and side jambs keeping units tight and durable.
Caulk Door Frame Perimeter
Run a complete bead of clear silicone caulk around the new entryway’s frame where it sits against the wall. Smooth the caulk with a finishing tool for waterproofing.
Add Exterior Trim
Install trim pieces on the frame’s exterior to completely integrate the new exterior French doors with the facade styling.
Purpose of Exterior Trim
Trim creates an extra barrier against precipitation and drafts. It also conceals gaps and finishing imperfections for a polished aesthetic.
Recommended Exterior Trims
Composite or Azek trim offers the best durability and maintenance ease. However unfinished wood, fiber cement board, or uPVC trim also suffices if aligned with your budget.
Cut and Miter Trim Pieces Precisely
For flawless seams between trim boards around the door frame, cut the pieces with 45 degree angled edge. This miter edge allows the trim ends to join attractively together.
Secure Trim into Studs
After test fitting the mitered trim pieces, firmly attach them into the wall’s studs or exterior sheathing using galvanized trim nails and exterior caulk for permanence.
Complete Your Exterior French Door Installation
Perform final adjustments and accessorizing tasks to complete your entry upgrade successfully.
Adjust Sweep, Thresholds, and Weatherstripping
Test the doors’ swing and seal, adjusting any sweep on the bottom edges or thresholds to prevent air or moisture penetration while still operating smoothly.
Perform Operation Checks
Open and close your newly installed exterior French doors multiple times, verifying ease of use while closed tightly. Diagnose the source of any sticking or rubbing then correct it.
Add Finishing Touches
Paint or stain the fresh exterior wood trim to match your facade. Consider adding exterior sconce lights or potted plants to frame the elegant doors beautifully.
Sweep debris, tools, nails/screws and dispose of properly. Remove any splatters from paint or caulk on surrounding outdoor living areas.
Even novices can install stunning new French doors. This undertaking does require extensive preparation, accurate sizing, methodical installation, and finishing touches. But the resulting visual impact and added natural light make the effort highly rewarding.
