How To Install French Doors From Scratch

Bob vila takes a close look at the process of installing french doors.

How to install french doors from scratch.

Finally hang the doors and mount any hardware accompanying the kit doorknobs latches etc source. Whether you re looking to add a french door to an existing door frame or install pre hung french doors and make use of a window transom to top it off we ve got some step by step tips to do it yourself. Older homes have non standard sized openings so you may need to install a new jamb inside the opening to fit the french doors of your choice. Then glue the other mullion.

Install the new frame using the shims to hold it firmly in place. And for the greatest stability a major requirement for entry doors i decided to make the stiles and rails using stave construction a building method commonly used by exterior door manufacturers rather than solid lumber. Flip the door over and glue in the glass panel with rubberized glue allow drying for 10 minutes. 818 735 0509 choose the 1 company in los angeles and ventura county for your next.

Pre hung doors eliminate many of the steps necessary to installing a door. If everything works nicely use the screws to put the frame in its place permanently. The key to this project is a new router bit set designed expressly for french doors. Drill holes into each corner of the frame and slide the mullion into place.

Remove trim carefully so you don t damage it and label the pieces as you go to make putting them back up easier. For standard door frames french doors are also available in pre hung kits making installation simple and straightforward. Remove the old frame around the opening with a hammer and pry bars where you want to install french doors. For more how to video visit.

Lay the door flat on your work table. Then test the new doors to make sure they fit in the frame and open smoothly.