How to Replace a Door

Co-authored by Gino Colucci

Last Updated: February 21, 2022 References

Doors need to be replaced occasionally and you can save money by doing it yourself. It is an easy weekend project if you have the right tools and follow some basic directions. Just get started with Step 1 below!

Steps

1
Buy a new door. Measure your current door for width and buy a door of this size. You should also look for a door as close as possible to the height you need, but some trimming may be necessary.^{[1]
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- Double check the door measurements against each other before installing the door.
2
Remove the hinge pins. Using a hammer and nail set, remove the hinge pin that connects the two sides of the hinges. Be careful, as this will release the door.^{[2]
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3
Remove the door. Set the old door aside and remove the hinges and hardware.^{[3]
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4
Set up the doors. Set the new and old doors on a set of saw horses, with the old door on top. Align their hinge side and top and then clamp them together.
5
Mark the cut points. You'll need to cut a mortise (indent) for the hinge, as well as the hole for the door handle. Trace the door handle hole or holes from the old door onto the new one. Then, measure and mark or trace the hinge shape on the new door, using the new hinge or the old one (if the hinges are the same size) as a guide.
6
Trim the rest of the door. Measure, mark, and then trim the rest of the new door with a circular saw, so that it is the correct height and width.
7
Cut the mortise. Using a hammer and chisel, cut the mortise for the hinges.
8
Mark and drill pilot holes. Using the new hinge as a guide, mark the location of the (usually) three screw points and drill pilot holes.
9
Cut the lock set holes. Using a kit will be easier than measuring and cutting for yourself and they are cheap and readily available. Just place the jig at the hole you marked from the original door.
10
Sand and paint the door. Now is a good time to sand and paint the door, if you want to.
11
Attach the hinges and lock set. Install the hinges and lock set. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install your particular lock set correctly.
12
Remove and replace the old jam hinges.^{[4]
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13
Set the door. Set the door on some shims and slide it into place. Set the pins and test the door. If it works, you're done!^{[5]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How do I remove the hinge pins?

Gino Colucci
Home Improvement Specialist
Gino Colucci is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of Crackerjacks Handyman Services (not a licensed contractor) in Chandler, Arizona. Crackerjacks Handyman Services offers an effective cost-saving solution for commercial and residential repair and maintenance needs, specializing in smaller projects. Crackerjacks Handyman Services carries liability insurance and all technicians go through a background check.

Gino Colucci

Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Answer

Use a center punch, old screwdriver, or something similar, and place the tip against the bottom of the hinge pin in the center. Strike it with a hammer to push the pin upward until you can grasp it with your hand.