Installing French doors might seem like a job best left to the professionals – and for many, that’s true. However, if you’re a DIY enthusiast, we’ve got a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process with ease.
Let’s break it down in a way that’s simple to follow, even if you’ve never installed a door before:
Remove the Old Doors
Start by removing the hinges and carefully lifting the door out of its frame. Professional tip: Watch your fingers! Also, remember, while removing the door seems like the easy part, doing it carefully is key to a smooth installation later.
Prep the Opening
Clear out any debris, smooth the surface, and check that the opening is level. This step is crucial – after all, you wouldn’t want your gorgeous French doors to be crooked. Would you?
Seal the Frame
Before you get too excited and start fitting the doors, seal the frame. This step keeps moisture, drafts, and other nasties at bay. Nobody wants water damage ruining their new investment, right?
Fit the Doors
Here’s where things get potentially heavy. Place the doors into the opening. It’s a good idea to have a friend here to help you. Check everything’s level, then secure the frame with shims to keep it in place.
Secure the Frame
Drill in the screws that come with your doors to lock everything in place. Go ahead, give your doors a test swing. Do they glide smoothly? Great! Now, let’s move on to the final touch.
Seal the Gaps
Make sure you seal any remaining gaps to prevent drafts or pesky little critters from sneaking in. Congratulations – you’ve successfully installed French doors! If it seems like a lot, that’s because it is.
Still, if DIY isn’t your thing, Sure Lock & Key is just a call away to ensure your door upgrade is done with ease.