How to fit an external door

Do you need to know how to fit an external door? 

Whilst it may seem fitting an external door is very similar to fitting an internal one, there are a few major differences that make the process a little more tricky.

As external doors are used to prevent break-ins, they are heavier and are designed to be much more sturdy. Some modern doors are fitted with security devices or cameras deterring intruders. External doors also have weatherstrips or draft excluders. Whilst these extras may not seem like that big of a deal, they make fitting an external door a bit more challenging.

Planning how to install your external door

When planning how to install your external door, there are a few things you will need to consider before proceeding with the job.

• Sizing: Due to external doors being heavier and made of tougher materials – often uPVC – it’s harder to cut them to size. You’ll need to ensure that the new door fits the existing frame. Unless you plan to cut your door to size, to which we would highly recommend working with a professional.
• Hinges: You’ll need to measure the placement of the existing hinges against the frame and mark up the new door so the hinges align. If you’re fitting a heavy wooden door, you’ll need sturdy hinges to hold the door, washered hinges may be a good option.
• Weather-proofing: Decide what approach you want to take. For example, wooden doors will need treating. uPVC doors benefit from weather bars to protect against wind damage.
• Regulations: Replacing a door frame and external door is classed as a ‘controlled fitting’. A controlled fitting involves part of a building that has to comply with Building Regulations when being installed. We recommend planning to have a building inspector visit your property as soon as you have completed the fitting, they will be able to advise and hopefully sign off on your new external door. If you decide to employ a tradesman, they can take care of this for you.

How to fit an external door frame

The easiest way to replace a door is to purchase a door set, which includes the frame and door. Buying both together removes the difficult task of shaving down a current frame to fit a new door.

• Remove the old door frame. This might require a crow bar. Be careful not to damage the masonry or plaster.
• Smooth out the surface using sandpaper. Use builder’s caulk to fill out any gaps or cracks.
• Move the frame into position. Use shims to take care of any gaping between the wall and the frame. There should be a 2mm gap at the top and the bottom of the frame.
• Fix the frame into place using the supplied fastenings.

When fitting your new door, you will need to plan for the weather. As you are not covered like you would be indoors, rain could damage any wet glue and make fitting more difficult. We recommend using a covering or canopy, at least 1.5 metres out from the door. This will shelter your work area from the elements, easing working conditions. Whilst a carpenter will already know this, if you are planning to DIY, this is an extra cost you will need to plan for.

Replacing a door frame is a simple and quick task for any carpenter. This is why we would always recommend working with a professional door fitter.

Parts of a door frame

Door frames are made of a few different parts which allow the door to have movement. The visual panels that run around the door frame vertically and horizontally are called the ‘jambs’. The jambs quite often can split or become damaged, meaning the frame will need to be replaced.

On external doors, the bottom part of the frame is called the sill. The door frame itself is secured using waterproof glue and screws. If you are DIY’ing, it may be a good idea to purchase extra replacement screws which fit your chosen door, in case they are damaged during the fitting process.

The fitting process

In the fitting process, you will need to ensure your frame is the precise size of your doorset, or else it will not fit. This may take a lot of trial and error, alongside some intense concentration. If your frame space becomes too wide, your door will not correctly fit and you will be left with a much more expensive, difficult job. A carpenter will be experienced in this kind of high-precision work and will swiftly fit your doorset.

• Measure your door and measure it again. Make sure it fits the frame.
• Resize the door if necessary. Use a hand plane to cut the door down to size if the door is wooden. You can’t do this on a UPVC door, so it’s essential to ensure the door set is correct before fitting.
• Check that it fits. Hold it up against the frame. It should fit flush.
• Mark out the hinge positions on the door.
• Position the door at a 90-degree angle to the frame. Screw the hinges onto the door.
• Fit the handles and lock.

How to fit an external uPVC door and frame

uPVC doors are more efficient and affordable than traditional wood doors and frames. These doors offer security, whilst being excellent at sealing and insulating the home. As uPVC is constantly exposed to sunlight, it can become brittle over time, leading to cracking. Whilst it is unlikely, this can pose a potential security risk making the door unsafe.

uPVC is also easily scuffed and marked, so you will need to be careful when leaving your home to avoid unattractive scores on your door.

• Remove the old frame, clear away any other debris until your frame space is clean and ready to work upon. Make sure all old sealant has also been removed.
• Get your frame in place, with the drainage holes at the bottom of the frame. With your frame in place, it is time to secure it.
•  Drill a pilot hole through the frame into the brickwork. Use packers to ensure a tight fit, and put the anchor into place. Be careful not to over tighten the screws when securing the frame into place, this could bow the frame.
• With the frame in place, attach your door to the hinges in the frame. A uPVC door set will be much heavier than wood, be careful not to hurt yourself when lifting it into place.

How to fit an external wooden door and frame

Different woods have different qualities and will be more sturdy or resistant to changing weather. There are two types of wood that are best for doors and frames; Oak and Accoya. Oak is a hardwood known for its strength and longevity. It is also a very attractive wood, making it the UK’s most popular traditional hardwood. Accoya is an engineered softwood, modified for extra protection and sturdiness.

Keeping a timber door requires a little more work than other doors and frames. Extreme weather can slowly wear away the finish on a wooden door, leaving it in need of a re-stain or fresh coat of varnish. Despite this, traditional wooden doors are very aesthetically pleasing and add character to your home. If desired, you could employ a carpenter to make and fit your door set, if you would like a customisable door and frame.

For a breakdown of carpentry costs, visit our carpentry cost guide.

How much does it cost to fit an external door and frame?

The cost of replacing an external door and frame depends on a few factors. It will depend on the location you live in, and the number of external doors you would like to replace. The average cost to replace an external door frame is £175.

The job should take no longer than 4-5 hours for a professional. For a more in-depth breakdown of door and frame replacement costs, check here.

Benefits of hiring a professional

Ultimately regardless of the material of the door you chose, we highly recommend employing a professional carpenter to complete this job for you. If you end up making a mistake during a DIY installation, this will be a lot more expensive than the initial cost of paying a carpenter.

As outlined, there are a lot of factors to consider when replacing an external door. A professional carpenter will understand building regulations and how to fit the door, leaving you stress-free.

 FAQs

How do you hang an exterior door using an existing frame?

You can hang an exterior door using an existing frame, however, for this, we would strongly recommend hiring a professional. The exterior door will need to perfectly fit the frame, if the measurements are slightly off, this could lead to the door being ineffective.

How to install an exterior door in a brick wall?

Installing an exterior door in a brick wall is tricky but manageable. You will need to carve out space for your door precisely, then use insulating foam to secure the area around the frame. If the wall you wish to remove a part of is a load-bearing wall, you will have to have a certified contractor to make this modification, as it could be dangerous.

The wall could also need to be reinforced with metal supports to ensure the weight of the house is supported.