How to install a door {Foyer door renovation}

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Today, I am sharing how to install a door. It’s not just any door, it’s the gorgeous Vista Grande door by Masonite. Last week I shared that we were renovating our foyer and installing new doors.  So are you ready to see the mess we made? This project is definitely an “all hands on deck” project as the doors are large and heavy. You also will need some skill with regard to removing your old doors and getting the new ones in so they are level and properly installed. This post is picture heavy but there is a lot involved and of course, I know many of you want to see the “family” involvement so there are some funny pictures of us too. We enlisted the help of a couple of guys that work with my dad as this project was a bit out of my muscle range. As you know, we do 95% of our own renovations but occasionally, we have to call in the troops for help.

If you missed last weeks post, here are the doors before.

We started by removing the old doors.

Once the doors were removed, we removed the old threshold.

We ended up replacing a few of the studs as well as they were partially rotted. That happens after 50 something years.

Our doorway was unique as part of it sat on top of a cement foundation so we had to customize the new threshold to fit.

Break time.

We decided to remove the old threshold completely and start fresh. We also needed to do this because when you are putting new doors in a spot that isn’t exactly made for the doors, you will need to make adjustments. We also had a header beam running across the top of the doorway so it was easier to make the space bigger by removing part of the old threshold as well.

It took the better part of a day to get the doors removed and make the space a tad bigger (height and width) for the new doors.

We ended up sawzalling out part of the existing studs in order to get the new doors to fit. 

Looking kind of good right? My mom didn’t know we were doing this the weekend we started and she came home and just about died when she saw the doors missing. It was pretty funny.

It’s amazing how wide open the space looked with just one door missing. The old sliders were so old, I was thrilled to see them in the dumpster.

It looked so much better with no door! Just my opinion ;).

My grandfather didn’t miss a thing. He was lurking around every corner and doing his best to be quiet. -ha.

We reinforced the new opening with window flashing to ensure no leaks.

The doors were massive and we probably could have used a fourth hand but my dad and two guys got it done. Of course, I was there for moral support :).

Once we had the first door in place, the second door prep and install was twice as fast. It took us a bit to figure out exactly the best way to get the door level and fit properly.

One of the things I loved about these doors is the fact that the shingles on the house would butt right up against the casing where you nail it to the house. You see those nail holes on the side of the door, once the door is nailed to the frame of the door, you can add your vinyl siding or shingles right over it so it looks flush and pretty.

At this point, they are quite proud of themselves and I am so happy that one door is in!

The house is over 50 years old so there is nothing level. We used shims to get the door and threshold level.

Lunch time.

After lunch, we got the second door installed.

We went with the brown exterior door and the white interior. I can’t even tell you how much we love these doors. They are drop dead gorgeous and the quality is amazing.

We ended up need to reshingle a portion of the house but it wasn’t too bad.

Like my dad says, “if you want to make an omelette, you have to break a few eggs.”

Three generations right here. My dad, gramps and my son, all hanging out watching and helping with the install. My son was intrigued with the process of how to install a door. From his mindset, the door just appears and he never really thought about how it got there. -ha.

Stay tuned, will be sharing the completed project in a few days and you will not believe the transformation. It’s crazy what a couple doors will do for the curb appeal of your home. These doors allow you to bring the outdoors in, by simply providing a gorgeous unobstructed view. Vista Grande doors are provided by Masonite, a national leader in interior and exterior doors. There are so many door options, be sure to check out their Vista Grande video and see just exactly all the fabulousness available. I want these doors in our lower level that goes out to our back yard. Hmmm. I wonder if I can talk my dad into that? *UPDATE: See our new patio doors reveal post.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Masonite. All opinions and words are 100% my own.