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Installing French doors is not the easiest DIY project, but it’s entirely possible as long as you have experience, the right tools, a trusty helper and – a necessity with any home improvement project – plenty of patience. Remember, you’re installing two doors that have to match up perfectly to look good and perform well. We’re assuming here that you already have a wall opening. If not, especially if you’re installing exterior French doors, you may want to reconsider calling a professional. Regardless of where in your home you’re installing French doors, make sure your opening is roomy enough. It’s always easier to shim or even add studs or nailers than it is to enlarge the opening. You’ll need a solid, level sub-floor, too. Interior installation steps: Label trim pieces as you remove them (carefully, please) and replacement will be much easier. If your opening is new or newly-sized, do any electrical and initial drywall work first. Install new studs or horizontal nailers, if necessary. Set the frame in place and adjust it, using a nail on each side of the corner to hold things in place. Leave a little space at the bottom of the jambs, for easier door adjustment. Shim as necessary. Check level, plumb and square exactly before finishing – these are all critical when installing French doors. Test the doors, too, to be sure they fit nicely and work smoothly. Nail fins to the wall about every 6-8 inches. Keep testing the doors as you proceed to be sure everything is still working well. Install hardware. Replace trim and repaint or add other final touches. Exterior installation steps: Follow the same steps as above, with these additional weatherization tips: Add insulation, if necessary, as part of initial drywall step. Make extra-sure you get a good seal around the frame. Apply a triple row of silicone beading to the bottom of the sill plate. And caulk behind the nail fins, too. Finalize caulking and whatever else needs to be done for complete weatherization inside and out. These are the basic steps. But here’s the most important thing: the manufacturer rules. Read and follow their directions for installing French doors, even if they’re different from what you’ve learned elsewhere. Not doing so could void your warranty! And, again, if you’re not quite comfortable with this project, calling a pro can make things go faster and easier. You won’t even have to clean up!
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