How to Frame an Outside Entry Door
If you are looking to frame an outside door entry, you will first need a pre-hung doorframe kit. This kit will not only give you the majority of the pieces needed to frame an outside entry door, but it also gives you detailed instructinos about its installation.
Things You'll Need:
- Exterior door kit (prehung)
- Tape measure
- Exterior silicon caulk (1 package)
- Caulking gun
- Rubber mallet
- Shim's
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
- Take a caulk gun and squeeze out a thick line of caulk down the doorway. This should start about 1 1/2 inches from the outside of the door and 3 inches from the subsill. Directions on the exact location of where to squeeze the caulk will come with the caulk gun. Two lines may be needed.
- Start with the bottom end of the door kit and carefully place the kit in the doorway.
- Drive shims into the space between the door's frame and the doorway to stabilize the kit's position. Drive another shim into the area underneath where the lock and knob assembly of the door and door frame are. Also put shims along the part of the frame with the hinges.
- Check the door's alignment. Have a partner hold the door in place to help make sure it linges up with the door frame. Adjust as needed
- Look at the door kit for instructions on how to drill the holes and drive in the screws needed to attach the door frame to the doorway. Make sure screws are only driven into places where there is shim backing.
- Install the trim that came with the door kit. Stuff empty cracks that appear between the door frame and doorway with insulation. When any questions arise, consult the instructions in the doorway kit.