Whatever reason you have, whether it is because you think your French door is too old, you want something else flashier, or it simply does not compliment with your decor anymore, installing or changing French door hinges is not a hard job. Don’t think you have the chops to do it? Or maybe you think you need lots of tools to do it? Well, it is about time you think again. All you need is an electric screwdriver, or just a few nails, the French door and of course, the door hinges, several thin pieces of wood, or also called shims. These shims will be used to slip under the door in order to hold just the correct height.

Here are some tips on how to install French door hinges:

Choosing the things you will need is a piece of cake. Take measurements of the old door you are about to remove and make sure to write them down. In terms of choosing the French door hinges, you will need to consider what that door will have to put up with everyday. If that specific door will be used too often, make sure you get three door hinges that are about 3″. This kind of hinge is tough and will hold in place the door. Most of the exterior doors everywhere utilize this kind of door hinge. Another way to know for sure what kind of door hinge you would need is to check what your old door used when you are removing it.

A simple method to install the French door is to put the new hinges where the previous door hinges were installed. But keep in mind that this technique only works if you have chosen hinges of the same sizing as the previous hinges you had with correct hole spacing. If this is not the case, you will have to utilize some wood putty in order to fill the previous holes and place the new door hinges where you want.

When choosing where you would like the door hinges to go, keep in mind that doors open into the room, not the opposite. Traditionally, doors are expected to open a wall, not flap out into the open outside the door’s room. If you know someone handy, you may want to ask for his or her help. Align the French door to where you have calculated it to be put, utilizing shims in order to equipoise it off the ground, making sure it will still close and open. Place the first screw at the top of the French door. Ensure that another person is holding the door in place or keeping it on the shims so that the weight of the door does not pull the screw out.

Try closing the door, making sure it closes properly. If it does not hit the strike plate evenly, adjust the placement of the shim just until you have equal amounts of space around the door. Once you establish this, place another screw at the door hinges on the bottom. This ensures you that your door hinges are lined up properly. After you have done that, install the other door hinges and… voila! You are done.

Author Bio: Richard Dinae is an architect, providing information and directories about home improvement, reliabilt french doors, roman shades for french doors and french door coverings

Category: Home Management
Keywords: home improvement, french door, french doors, doors, door, sliding french doors