Materials:
Step 1: Remove the old door.
Use a drill to remove the screws that hold the hinges of the old door to the trim. Remove the old door carefully and set it aside.
Remove the screws holding the hinges to the trim.
Step 2: Gather measurements and purchase a replacement door.
Use a tape measure to gather the necessary measurements, and purchase a new replacement door. If the new door does not match the exact measurements of the old one, you will need to trim the new door to size. You will also need to decide if you will use the old hinges or buy new ones. For this project, we are using self-closing hinges that came with the new door.
Gather measurements.
Step 3: Fit the new door and trim if necessary.
Position the new door in place to determine if any trimming is necessary. A properly fitting door will have 1/8-inch spacing between the screen door and the door frame on all four sides. This vinyl door will not shrink or swell with the weather. If you purchase a wooden door, it will need to be primed and painted on all six sides as well as trimmed to fit.
There should be 1/8-inch space between the door and the frame.
Step 4: Hold the new door in place with shims.
Place shims in the spaces between the door and the frame on all four sides to hold the door in place. The shims will ensure that there is a 1/8-inch space between the door and the frame on all four sides.
Place shims between the door and the frame.
Step 5: Mark and drill pilot holes for the new hinges.
Using the position of the old hinges as reference, mark the location of the pilot holes for the new hinges. Using a drill bit slightly smaller than the screws, follow the instructions that came with the door and drill pilot holes into the new door. If necessary, drill pilot holes into the door frame as well. Repeat for each of the hinge locations.
Mark the location of the new hinges.
Step 6: Screw each hinge to the door and the door frame.
With the pilot holes drilled, screw each hinge first to the door and then to the door frame. Remove all of the shims and test the fit of the door.
Screw each hinge to the door.
Step 7: Drill pilot holes for the new handles.
Using the location of the old handle on the old door as a reference, mark the location of the new handle on the new door. Drill pilot holes for the new handle.
Mark the location for the new handle.
Step 8: Attach the new handles.
Use a screwdriver to screw the new handle in place. Follow steps #7 and #8 for the inside handle on the new door.
Screw the handle into place.
Step 9: Install the hook and eye latch.
Install the hook and eye latch on the inside of the door. The new solid vinyl screen door is ready for years of service.
Screw the hook and eye latch into place.
