How to Install Prehung French Doors

Posted by doornmore on March 25th, 2013

French patio doors bring an airy, warm, bright feel to your home, especially hung as an exterior French patio door. Installation is quite simple when you purchase prehung doors. Prehung doors like a French patio door is already a part of the frame, making the installation simple and fast.

Step by step instructions

1. Your current door needs to be removed by getting the casing and trim off. Using a hammer claw or pry bar can help you remove the casing and trim. Go slowly, making certain not to damage the trim.
2. Nails and screws hold the exiting French patio door in place. Remove these from the jamb, while keeping the door held in place. After removing the doors put them in a safe place while you move on to step 3.
3. With a tape measure determine the opening you have. Add in ¼ inch to the measurement to account for the proper length and width. The measurement makes installation of your new French patio door easier due to proper clearance and fit. 
4. Once the new door arrives remove all packaging.
5. Put the bottom of your new unit into the opening first allowing it to slide into place. Using a second person, center the door properly and make certain it is swinging towards the outside.
6. If necessary use shims under the legs or behind the hinges between the frame and wall to fit the French patio door properly. The spacing between the jambs needs to be equal, and so does the frame top.
7. With three nails per jamb secure your French patio door. When using wooden shims make certain the nails go through the jamb and into the shims.
8. For weatherproofing of your door put the batt insulation in between the jambs and walls. It should not be packed too tightly.
9. For the final phase on your French patio door put the casing or trim back in place. Now remove the clips on the door to test it. On the outside caulk around the trim and casing to ensure a tight seal.

About the Author:

Shayann Behjati is the CEO of the US Door & More Inc. 
He has studied Architecture & Design, and has been working in the design and manufacturing and field since 2001. He has extensive knowledge and experience in the woodworking and door industries. US Door & More Inc. offers a range of exterior doors, wood entry doors, interior doors, fibreglass doors, pre hung doors and glass entry doors.