How To Change Out An Exterior Door Frame

Use a putty knife or chisel to remove any old caulking or thick layer of paint on the door jamb or siding.

How to change out an exterior door frame. Loosen the hinge pins by tapping them with a hammer then pull them out of place. Unscrew the hinge pins from the jamb with a screwdriver then remove them. If you plan to reuse the trim first score the intersection between the molding and jamb with a utility knife. Protect the wall with a wide putty knife.

Center the door frame in the doorway making sure it s level on the bottom and hinge sides. You may want to use both nails and putty in order to ensure that the frame is securely attached around the door. Carefully lift the door off of the hinges and discard it. Use a cordless gun to unscrew the hinges from the jamb.

Then get some 16d or 3 5 in 8 9 cm casing nails. Cut a 45 miter at the top of the casing. Push the frame into the caulking first. Measure from the bottom of the casing to the long edge of the miter joint at the top.

Pry loose the old trim pry the interior trim loose from the door frame. Use a flat pry bar to remove the door casing being careful not to damage adjoining surfaces. With a hammer and wood nails or wood putty attach the pieces of the new frame above and to the sides of the door itself. Remove the old door from the jamb.

Spread out 4 nails along the top length of framing hammering them in place. Leave the hinges on the door.