A new front door can do a lot for your home, whether it’s about energy efficiency, or a bit of refreshing life into your entrance. But mostly a complete replacement of the door is not warranted. Often, the door frame is still in excellent shape, and swapping out just the door can revive your entrance without major renovation work.
Let’s walk through how to replace a front door without replacing the frame post.
Contents
Can You Put a New Door in an Old Frame?
You can certainly install a new door in an existing frame. All you have to do is remove the old door from its hinges and get a new one precisely the same size. Then you cut mortises for the hinges on the new door, screw them on, and finally hang the new front door.
This method will save you quite some money compared to the entire frame plus door replacement, which typically involves new caulking, siding adjustment, and refinishing the surrounding trim. By keeping the original frame, you also bypass potential structural issues and keep the doorway aligned, particularly useful in older homes with settled frames.
Slab Doors vs. Pre-hung Doors
You usually have two options for replacement doors: slab doors and pre-hung doors.
- Slab doors are simply flat sheets of wood cut into the shape of a door. While some may come with decorative carvings etc, they don’t have pre-installed hinges, frames, or any other hardware. If your frame post is still in good condition, a slab door would be your best bet. Simply buy one according to your existing frame post and hang it on the existing hinges.
- Pre-hung doors come as a set, with the factory-attached frame and hinges. These are usually intended for new construction or full door-and-frame replacements. For projects where you plan to keep your existing frame, a pre-hung door is not the ideal choice.
Signs Your Door Frame Might Need Replacement
Before replacing the door, check whether the existing frame post is in a reasonable enough condition to support a new door. A badly damaged one may lead to bigger problems and additional costs down the line.
Here are some warning signs that your door frame might need replacement:
- Visible cracks or splits in the frame
- Soft spots due to rot or termite damage
- Misalignment between the door and the frame
- Warping or shifting caused by moisture or structural settling
- Loose hinges that no longer catch screws well
If any of the above signs come into view, consult a professional for further evaluation. A possible alternative could be replacing the door and frame with a new custom front door.
Surface-level damage, like dents or cracked paint, is usually easy enough to sand off or repaint. If your door frame only suffers from these superficial issues, it’s perfectly usable.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Replace a Front Door Without Replacing the Frame Post
Now that you’ve determined your front door frame post is in good condition, it’s time to get to work.
Step 1: Get supplies
You’ll need the following tools and materials to successfully replace your front door:
- New slab door
- Hinges (reuse the old ones or a new set)
- Screwdriver set (both flathead and Phillips)
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Utility knife
- Planer or sander
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Drill with bits
Step 2: Remove the Old Door
Remove the old door from the hinges, starting with the bottom ones first. Put a small round screwdriver under the hinge pins and tap it up with the hammer. Then pry it out using a flathead screwdriver once it’s released enough.
Have someone hold the door while you take out the pins to avoid it getting damaged or falling. Once all pins are out, carefully lift the door off the frame.
Step 3: Examine the Door Frame
This is the perfect time to take a closer look at the frame for any hidden damage you might have missed earlier. Clean the frame thoroughly and make minor repairs, such as filling old screw holes with wood filler or bridging any loose sections.
Step 4: Measure the old door
Take exact measurements of the height, width, and thickness of your old door, following our guide to measuring doors. If you haven’t bought the new door yet, use these dimensions to select one. Take the hinges off the old door if you plan to reuse them with the new one.
Step 5: Size and Trace the New Door
Once you have your new slab door, lay the old door on top of it to ensure they match exactly—any discrepancies here can ruin the fit.
If you notice any differences, trace it with a pencil and use a wood planer or sander to trim the new door to size. Also, outline the locations for the hinges and lockset on the side of the door, replicating the old ones.
Step 6: Cut Hinge Mortises
Next, cut the hinge mortises on the new door—these are the recessed areas where the hinges will sit. Patience is key in this step. The best way is to make several small cuts within the outline you have traced earlier, with a utility knife.
Work your way around by gently using a chisel and hammer to cut out small pieces about ⅛ inch deep. Keep testing the fit of the hinge to confirm the mortise is deep enough but not overly so. If the wood splinters or the cut is rough, smooth it over with a file.
Step 7: Install the New Door
Once the mortises are ready, attach the hinges to the new door using screws and a drill. If you’re using new hinges, swap the ones on the door frame too. Lift it into place and align the hinges. Again, this is a good time to have a person help you. Insert the hinge pins and gently tap them down to secure the door in place.
Test the door to make sure it swings open easily and closes well. Tighten loose screws and install the door handle and lockset.
Step 8: Final Touches
Apply fresh caulk or sealant in the reveals around the door frame to prevent air and water infiltration. Spray hinges with a lubricant occasionally—such as white grease—to keep it working smoothly.
This YouTube tutorial should help you understand how to replace a front door without replacing the frame post.
Final Thoughts
In this guide on “How to replace a front door without replacing the frame post” you’ve learned a smart, efficient way to refresh your home’s appearance while saving on time and costs.
Now, are you ready to refresh your entryway with a new door? Contact us at Mannlee today for expert guidance on selecting beautifully designed modern and classic front doors that perfectly balance style and functionality.
FAQ’s
Q: Can you install a new exterior door without replacing the frame?
A: Yes, you can install a new exterior door without replacing the frame if it’s in a good condition. You would normally use what is called a slab door, in the same measurements, and fit it within the existing frame.
Q: Can I change my door without changing the frame?
A: Absolutely, changing the door without replacing the frame is possible and quite common. Just get the new door the same size as the old one, and align the hinge and lock positions properly.
Q: Can you replace a patio door without replacing the frame?
A. Yes, you can replace both sliding or French patio doors in the existing frame, if the structure isn’t damaged like warped or broken. Make sure you measure everything carefully and fix any repairs needed on the frame before installation.
Q: Can you replace a door in an existing frame?
A. Yes, it is possible to replace a door in its existing frame. Just make sure that the new door fits in the place of the old one. You also have to cut mortises for the hinges and take care of proper alignment.
