BUYERS GUIDES
How to fit an external door in 8 steps
Before starting it is worth noting for those who choose oak veneered external doors that you will need to take action to ensure that your door is protected from the elements, whether that is rain or excessive heat from the sun. If you door is subject to the elements it may be worth investing in a canopy or porch.
We have some simple to follow steps for you to follow to help you fit your door yourself.
View our simple to follow guide below.
STEP ONE
MEASURING THE DOOR AND FRAME
Firstly, before you start anything you will need to remove your new door from its packaging and then measure it and the door frame to compare the sizes. If the door frame is slightly too big you will need to trim the door down to the correct size.
STEP TWO
PREPARING FOR ALTERATIONS
If you need to trim down the door, you will firstly need to add marks on the door to indicate the size it should be. If there is only a minor change it is best to trim down on the hanging edge, but if you need to make more extensive reductions it is best to do it from both sides of the door in order to ensure an even result. If you find your external door is needing dramatic size changes it is worth noting that significant changes could reduce the strength of the door itself.
STEP THREE
MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
Once you have established the adjustments that you need to make, it is time to trim or plane the door. For larger adjustments you may need a saw, otherwise you should be able to use a plane to remove slight amounts.
STEP FOUR
PREPARE THE HINGES
Once you have cut your door down to size, it is time to mark out where the hingers will be located on the door and frame. Using hinges with washes is often advisable as it allows for greater hinge longevity. Once you have marked where the hinges will go you can use a chisel to make room for the hinge on both the frame and door.
STEP FIVE
AFFIXING THE HINGES
Once you have chiselled space for the hinges it is time to use the hinges to fix the door to the frame.
STEP SIX
LOCKING MECHANISM
Once the door is securely in its frame you can proceed to install both the lock and latch mechanism into the door. Different mechanisms have different fitting needs so it is important to follow the manufacturer instructions. For panel doors however we would suggest avoiding rail joints, which can weaken the joint.
STEP SEVEN
APPLYING DOOR TREATMENT
Once your door is all correctly fitted then it is time to treat your door. Treatment will help protect your door from the elements and will ensure your door lasts for as long as possible. Before you treat the door, you will need to remove the door’s ironmongery so that you are able to apply treatment or sealant to every part of your door including areas you have cut out for locks, hinges, and handles.
STEP EIGHT
FITTING IRONMONGERY
Once dry it is time to refit the ironmongery to your door. It may be worthwhile also installing a weather bar to protect the bottom of your door from wet weather.
Have a question about your door?
ADDRESS:
Woodland Business Park, Woodland Road, Torquay TQ2 7AT
OPENING HOURS:
MON - FRI 7.30am - 5 pm
SAT - 8.30am - 12.30 pm
SUN - CLOSED
PHONE NUMBERS:
01803 896 996
