Exterior doors are often installed too low by the builder. The door then sits too close to the floor and rubs the carpet in front of the door. This problem is totally avoidable if the rough carpenter adds extra height to the rough opening and installs an extra piece of lumber on top of the subfloor.
Interior door types should not be a decision you leave up to the builder or architect. Consider having solid core interior doors installed to reduce noise. Doorknobs and locksets can be installed that allow a wider margin to keep from scraping your knuckles. Match your doors to the style of home you have.
French doors can be installed by any homeowner. Custom jambs made for the age of your house might be necessary. These French doors will require a rough opening and new header before you position the door. Determine your ability to plaster the gaps. Rookie plasterers should not use traditional white-coat plaster.
Fiberglass doors, in my opinion, are one of the top 25 best all-time home building products. Insulation from a fiberglass entry door is better than that of a wood door. Fiberglass exterior doors have designer options such as beveled glass, unlimited door styles and stains.
Front entry doors can be replaced easily enough as replacement exterior doors are usually the same size. Front entry doors have trim framing the door that is larger than the door unit itself. Remove this framing and measure the door from bottom to top. An exterior door store will have catalogs that list the dimensions and types of doors you can consider using. Threshold work should be done by a knowledgeable carpenter.
Pocket door installation is a great project that will give you an average of 10 square feet of floor space than a traditional hinged door. Make sure you know what is inside of your wall before demolition and determine if it is a bearing wall. Invest in the best door frames and components.
Exterior doors are made from several materials now. Fiberglass, steel, or composite exterior doors may interest you. These doors can be stained and sealed. They look like just like a wood door. New wooden doors are made of stable pieces of lumber and covered with a thin veneer of any wood species you want.
Installing interior doors can be a great job for the DIY'r. Interior door changes from hollow core to solid is simpler now. Interior door manufacturers have door styles that will allow you to match any home. Follow my tips for a flawless project.
Pocket doors eliminate many new housing problems. They supply nearly 10 square feet of floor space that a regular door will take up. Pocket doors will not hide pictures or need baseboard door stops. Pocket door hardware must be of the highest quality in order to operate smoothly. Door style and design for pocket door frames is nearly unlimited.
Entry doors need periodic maintenance. Fiberglass doors are no exception. Fiberglass entry door finishes will fail over time. You can extend the finish on your door by carefully following the finishing instructions. Start with a clean surface from the cleaner provided in your finishing kit. Work in shade if possible. Keep up with yearly checks of the clear coat to avoid full restoration of your door.
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