Do-it-yourself door replacement is easier than you think

Replacing a door is a big job, but with a little help, you can do it yourself and save a bundle. Here are the basic steps you will need to follow to give your home more curb appeal and better security!

Remove the trim around your existing door and take accurate measurements of the rough opening. Measure at several locations along the sides and from top to bottom, as many times you will find that the existing framework is not level and plumb, and you will need to know where additional work might be required. You want to have an opening about 1 inch wider than the new door requires.

Before removing the old door, purchase your new one so you can get the exchange done in one day. When shopping for a new door, the easiest installation is done with a pre-hung door.

Remove the old door by removing all of the screws or nails holding it into the opening. Remove shims as well. Try not to damage the framework, as you may use it for your new installation as well. You also might consider donating or selling your old door to recycle it.

Put the new door in place at the bottom first, slowly fitting it into the opening. Apply a couple of large beads of caulk under the sub sill to seal the door at the bottom before securing it in place. Your new door should fit loosely in the opening. Use your level to make sure the new door is level and plumb. Install shims to keep the door in place.

Then add extra-long screws, installed through the shims and door jamb, to secure your new door. Don't tighten the screws until all adjustments have been made.

Add insulation in the wall cavity around the new door before installing your trim. Caulk around the trim after you install it, and add weatherstripping if needed for a tight seal on the door. It's an a-door-able project!

Head adjustment

Allen wrenches are used for lots of projects, but most of us don't have a wide variety of sizes. If you find yourself with an Allen-head screw to be tightened or removed and no Allen wrench for it, use a small file or hacksaw to cut across the head so you can use a standard flat-head screwdriver to get the job done. It won't harm the screw and will give you another option.

Stud spacing

When it comes to building a stud wall, there is a super-clever way to make the spacing more uniform and give you some help with the toenailing of the studs. We like to use a pre-cut scrap of wood (14.5 inches for a 16-inch on-center wall), set on the sole plate, to use as a spacer between the studs. Place the scrap of wood against the edge of the wall and place your first stud against it. It will give you a sturdy surface to help make the toenailing much easier. You can move it to the top after you have nailed in the bottom.

Super hints

• Club soda can be used to remove some rust, and it works great on rust stains. Since it's so good at removing a lot of other stains, we suggest keeping some around, just in case you need it.

• Protect newly planted seedlings in your garden from cold weather by placing a plastic jug, with the bottom cut off, over the plant. It will be like having its own private greenhouse. Remove it when the temperatures rise to keep it from getting too hot.

• I love to start my veggie seeds indoors as early as I can so they will be ready when the weather turns nice and I can plant them outdoors. I use foam egg cartons to start the seeds in. With the seeds planted in potting soil in each cup, I use the cover to keep them warm until they start coming up. Then I cut the top off and use it as a drainage tray under the pots. I make a tiny hole in the bottom of each cup for drainage. By the time they are ready to move to a bigger pot, they can just go outdoors in my garden.

Reader tips

• I spent a lot of money on new garden hoses when we moved to the suburbs. I didn't realize that they needed to be stored in the winter, and they had some damages to repair. I decided to mend them with the standard kits available at the hardware store. It sounded easy enough. But I found it hard to put the inserts inside the stiff hose. I used a hair dryer to heat up the hose, and then it was much easier.

• My last child is out of diapers! I put them away just in case I needed them for a visitor or something. The other day I spilled a whole bottle of mouthwash in the bathroom and grabbed a diaper to soak it up. It soaked up the whole mess in just a few seconds. I was amazed. Everyone ought to have a few in their kitchen or bath for quick cleanups! Who knew?

• When we closed out our office, we brought home a couple of desks, some shelves and file cabinets. We set up the desks for the kids to use, and now have plenty of shelves for all of our books. I put the file cabinets in the garage. I know that sounds weird, but they have locks on them, so I felt it would safeguard my tools this way. I placed them side by side and created another work space, too.

• I learned a neat trick for making your caulking look better. I had always used my finger to smooth over the stuff, but I found out you won't have as much mess if you use a wet bar of soap to smooth it out. The caulk won't stick to the soap and, if you use the edge of the soap, you get a perfectly rounded bead. It's so much easier and looks great with this method.

• I found out recently that you can buy heavy-duty light bulbs. If you go to buy a replacement bulb, ask the dealer for a "service" bulb. These bulbs cost a little more, usually, but they will take more temperature extremes and will last longer. The interior and exterior is made of stronger material. I have replaced all of my outdoor light bulbs with "service" bulbs, and I feel much better.

Q. I know that I have water leaking in my toilet. I can hear it. I have replaced the flapper, and it seems like a tight fit, but it's still leaking. What else should I check, adjust or replace?

A. Take a look at the water level in the tank. Is it higher than the overflow tube, located in the center of the tank? If so, you can lower the water level to about 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube to stop this problem. Also make sure the valve refilling the tank is shutting off all the way. This could be causing water to flow into the tank and/or overflow tube.

Q. I have always heard that if you paint your porch ceiling blue, the wasps and bees won't build their nests there. Do you know anything about this? Does it work?

A. The tradition of using Haint Blue is from the South, and the original object was to scare away evil spirits. If you think wasps are evil, like we do, then you might give it a try. People in the South today still swear it works, and you can buy Haint Blue paint from several paint dealers.

Q. I have an unsealed tile floor. I've been trying to decide what to seal it with. What about wax versus sealer?

A. Both probably will need to be reapplied periodically, but wax needs to be buffed to look its best. A penetrating sealer probably would be your best bet. Talk to a flooring dealer and see if it has one that will work with your floor surface. You might want to try a little of each in an obscure spot to see which looks best to you. Sometimes the wax, although a lot more work, has a better look to some folks.

Shoptalk

• If you have a truck, then you probably have thought about adding a bed liner to protect your investment. A good bed liner will keep the bed from being scratched or dented, and will protect against moisture damage and rust. The Herculiner is a good option. You can buy everything you need to do the complete installation in one easy-to-use kit. You get the protective coating, rollers, a brush and an abrasive pad. The finish is textured and made super tough with rubber and polyurethane. It's skid-resistant and won't chip, flake or peel. It also can be used on other surfaces, like concrete and wood. It even comes in a variety of colors. There is also a UV topcoat protectant available. To find out more about the uses, application and where to find Herculiner, visit the company's Web site at herculiner.com. You also can reach them by phone at (877) 437-2854.

• Laying a tile floor used to be a challenge, but the new SnapStone system is super easy. The floating, interlocking tiles go together easily and require no tile adhesive. Once the floor is in place, you need only come back over it with grout to fill in around the edges, and it will look just like any other tile floor. It's even easy to make repairs should the floor become damaged. The tiles are available in two sizes and eight different colors. To find out everything you need to know about this super new tile system, visit snapstone.com.

• Write to Al and Kelly Carrell in care of the Daily Herald, P.O. Box 280, Arlington Heights, IL 60006, or visit the Carrells' Web site at thesuperhandyman.com.

© 2010, Cowles Syndicate Inc.