How To Install Pre-Hung Exterior Door On Concrete

Though it may seem like a far more difficult proposition, installing a pre-hung exterior door on concrete can be relatively easy. It is crucial that you have the right tools to do the job and follow the necessary instructions. So, how exactly can you install a pre-hung exterior door on concrete? We’ll tell you!

To install a pre-hung exterior door on concrete, you will first need to take out the old door, frame, and molding. Then, dry-fit the new door and mark the plumbing lines. After installing the door and the new framing, seal the new door in and insulate it as needed.

In this guide, you will get step-by-step instructions on how to install a pre-hung exterior door on concrete structures. This can be a basement, garage, or other concrete structure.

The first step is to use your hammer and a flat screwdriver to take out the hinge pins. When you have removed the pins from the hinge, you can then lift out the door that is being replaced. When you have successfully removed the door and taken off the other hardware, make sure that you unscrew the hinges from the door frame.

After that, unscrew and remove the hinge leaves from the door jamb. Make sure that you keep the sets of hinges together. This includes the hinge leaves, screws, and pins as well. Use your utility knife to score some caulking between both the molding and the brick in order to break the seal.

From there, use your hammer and pry bar to remove the molding. Do this carefully; you are not trying to break or destroy the molding. Lastly, pry away the framing, door jamb, and threshold before scraping away any old caulking in place.

Make sure that when you go to place the new door, the shipping brackets remain attached and in place. When you go to set the door into place, make sure that it is centered in the opening. You can even add shims underneath the lower jamb side to ensure that the entire door is as level as it can be.

Using your carpenter’s pencil, you will then mark out a line on the brick intel on the top of the door. After you have carefully marked out your line, you can then remove the door carefully and move on to the next step.

The next step in the process is to use your level in order to mark the plumb lines. These will go on both sides of the door opening and will serve to be guides for where the new door’s molding will go. Be as accurate and level as you can be in order to prevent any crookedness.

Make sure that you check out the paneling around the door as well. Take out any old pieces of that old paneling. This will ensure that you have a clean opening to work with and can install the door as accurately and precisely as possible.

If your opening is on the rougher side, you may need to install some pressure-treated lumber. Installing that lumber is meant to frame out the door in a more precise and even manner. Rougher openings will have cinderblock or concrete as the jamb.

To do this, you will first need to take measurements of the side jamb. Follow that up by cutting your boards to the length that you just measured. Make sure that you check to ensure that the boards are plumb and the install the boards.

Use your cut nails here; these are designed to be used for fastening masonry. The board installed here is meant to act like additional framing to help support the new door that you will be installing.

Start the installation of your new door with some latex caulk. Run a bead of medium thickness along the bottom of the old opening, particularly at the subseal. When this has been done properly, lift the pre-hung door and place it into the center of your rough opening. Make sure that you position the bottom seal first before tiling the rest of the door into the proper place.

Make sure that you are checking for plumb and apply any shims to the frame where you deem them necessary. Next up is securing the door into place. Use your cement screws to do this; this will be the case at each of your shim locations. In the case of wood frames, you would use your casing nails instead.

Trim any of the excess shims off; you can use the pry bar and utility knife to achieve this result. Lastly, take out the shipping brace and give your new door a test operation. Attach your long-anchor screws that come with the door itself through each of the hinges and into the framing of the door.

You will need your latex caulk to seal the exterior of the door, running a bead all the way around the entirety of the door. Make sure that you fill in any screw holes using wood filler for a better overall aesthetic.

When you have finished filling all of the necessary space, you can begin to insert your fiberglass insulation into the various voids that will be between the opening and the door frame. Make sure that you attach any trim to the door using those fourpenny finishing nails.

After the wood filler and caulk have dried, it’s time to paint. Go with paint that will match the color of your home or any design aesthetic that you are hoping to achieve. The very last step is to attach your hardware; the door handle and the deadbolt. Now you have a new pre-hung exterior door that is ready for use.

The materials you need to install a prehung door will cost about $120 per door. However, this will range between $95 and $150 depending on the type of door you get along with the other benefits that come with the door. For instance, if you get a pre-hung door that’s already insulated, then this will cost more than just the basic prehung door.

Remember, too, if you don’t have the tools already, you will need to factor that into your project budget as well. However, you could always rent some tools or borrow from a neighbor or a friend. Altogether, to do this yourself, it will cost around $120 to $300.