From measuring to installation, this project reveals everything you need to know about how to replace an exterior door successfully.
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Front doors are not always easy to install. They require subtle finesse to get them to swing just right. That said, if all conditions are aligned with good decision-making, replacing an existing exterior door with a new door can be a straightforward and manageable DIY project.
Doors can be purchased in two styles: pre-hung or slab. Slab doors are simply the door itself. They are cheaper, but you must accurately transfer and cut the hinge, strike, and bore positions from your existing jamb to the door, which can be a tedious and time-consuming process.
On the other hand, pre-hung doors are installed on a door jamb with holes drilled and hinges preinstalled. This makes them slightly more expensive. However, a significant drawback of replacing a pre-hung door is that it increases the scope of the project, requiring the removal of the existing door frame and trim around it.
This may sound counterintuitive, but I purchased a pre-hung door and used only the slab door. Why? Because I measured the hinge, strike, and bore positions precisely on my old door, I was able to find a prehung door with matching measurements. Nevertheless, I swapped out the hinges to match the color of my new handle, and I strategically disassembled the jamb for future DIY projects.
