How to Take Out a Wall & Put in Exterior French Doors

Placing French doors in an existing wall is a daunting undertaking. It will take some carpentry and electrical skills and perhaps a little patience. If you are up to the task and have the time available some of these tips should help you with the project.

Items you will require:

• Stud finder


• Framing square


• Circular and reciprocating saws


• Hammer


• Pry bar


• Work gloves and safety glasses


• Tape measure


• Plastic coverings or drop cloths


• Pre-hung French doors


• Drywall screws


• 16 penny nails


• Electrical gear to replace any removed or relocated

1. Prior to beginning obtain any required permits and have your plan ready


2. Order the new doors and have them ready to install


3. Find the studs in the wall and open the wall between them.


4. Measure out the opening and take out all baseboards, moldings electrical switches and lines. Make certain the electricity to the entire wall is turned off.


5. Finish taking out the wall where the doors are going.


6. Take the new doors out of their container and put into the hole you have for them in the wall.


7. Use a level and check the frame on the doors on each side to ascertain it is indeed level. If it is not you will need to use shims to level it up correctly.


8. Attach the frame to the wall with the screws provided and a power drill. These screws are what will hold the door in place to make certain all the holes have a screw in them and they are all the way in. Check to make sure that if there are any screws behind weather strips to do them as well.


9. Once the doors have been mounted they should swing freely and have clearance with even spacing all the way around the door.


10. Put shims in any areas that look like they need them and secure with screws as well.


11. Caulk with weatherproofing caulk on both sides of the doorframe.


12. Place molding around the doorframe with finishing nails and you will be done.