Install French Doors

Help Around the House host Henry Harrison helps a guest install a set of French doors between two rooms inside her house. On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this job a four.

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Materials and Tools:

power drill
regular drill bit
paddle bit
hole saw
Phillips-head screwdriver
flat-head screwdriver
tape measure
hammer
pry bars
nail punch
chisel
flush cutting saw
rubber mallet
carpenter's square
long level
torpedo level
safety glasses
French door kit with frame
hardware (doorknobs, latches)
nails
screws
shims

Steps:

1. Remove old frame around opening with the hammer and pry bars where you want to install French doors. Remove trim carefully so you don't damage it, and label the pieces as you go to make putting them back up easier.

2. Use the long level and carpenter's square to make sure the inside of the opening is square and true.

3. Install the new frame and firm it up using shims. Drill pilot holes through the frame and shims. Drive nails just far enough to temporarily hold frame in place.