How to Install a Screen Door in 7 Steps

Pick the Door Material

Before you begin the project, it’s important to pick the right door, so it will last for years to come. You can use our Screen Door Buying Guide for a comprehensive explanation of what to look for when purchasing a screen door, but here are some of the main points.

In general, you can choose between wood or vinyl screen doors, so weigh the pros and cons of the different types of screen doors before making your selection:

Wood Screen Doors

Wood screen doors are a great option for homes that have wood siding, and can be painted or stained for a custom look. Wood screen doors provide a classic, traditional feel, and may have more of an upscale look than vinyl. Repairs are simple with wood doors as well; if the frame breaks or gets damaged, it’s easy to fix, keeping your screen door repair costs low.

Wood doors have a higher upfront cost than vinyl, and will require more regular maintenance. They need to be repainted or restained every few years, so keep in mind how much upkeep you’ll need to do to keep these doors looking great.

Vinyl Screen Doors

Vinyl screen doors come in a variety of styles and finishes, and can be a great way to match your home’s look. Vinyl doors are more lightweight than wood doors, and are often easier to maneuver and install. Their lower upfront cost makes them a good option for budget-conscious homeowners, and they’re easy to clean and maintain.

Vinyl screen doors are prone to cracking and drying out when exposed to direct sun for an extended period of time, and they’re more difficult to repair than wood screen doors. With some damage, you may find you need to replace the entire door.

Measure the Frame

Once you’ve decided what type of screen door to purchase, carefully measure the door frame to find the correct size. To measure width, take measurements of the door frame at the top, middle, and bottom of the frame. To get the height, measure the frame vertically to the floor from the left, middle, and right sections. Subtract one-quarter of an inch from the shortest measurement on each side to determine the correct size. This will ensure a tight fit and appropriate clearance for the door.

Fit the Door to the Opening

Once you have purchased the correct-sized door, you want to fit it into the opening. Start by determining the way the door will swing. If the handle and latch are either adjustable, or do not interfere with the main door’s handle, attach it on the same side as the main door’s hardware. If the handle and latch will obstruct the main door’s hardware, attach it to the opposite side.

After you have determined the direction the door will swing, use wooden shims on the sides, top, and bottom of the door to hold the door in place. If the door is too wide or too tall for the opening, you may need to remove some of the frame and trim excess material to get a proper fit.

To trim the door, use the tape measure and ruler to mark the overlapping section. Use a circular saw to cut the excess material from the frame. Then, use a sanding block to smooth over the rough areas.

Paint or Stain the Door (Optional)

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Sometimes, wooden door frames will leave the top and bottom edges unfinished. Moreover, you will need to touch up paint on the edges if you trim off the excess wood. Sealing unfinished edges with a matching paint color protects the door frame from wear and tear, and ensures long-term durability.

If you opted for a fully unfinished wooden frame, paint or stain the door before you install it for easier application. Using an angled paint brush, apply the paint in even coats over the surface and edges, and allow it to fully dry. Choose an exterior paint or stain for long-lasting results.

Attach Door Hinges

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Using the hinge side of the main door as a guide, mark the placement of the hinges on both the screen door edge and the door jamb with a pencil. Make sure the hinges are placed in the right direction to swing the way you want them to. Using the marks, drill pilot holes with a drill bit that is smaller than the screws. Drilling pilot holes prevents splitting and cracking in the material.

After the pilot holes have been drilled, attach the hinges with the provided screws. If applicable, attach any included hinge caps over the exposed screws by snapping them into place.

Install the Door Handle and Latch

Next, move on to the other side of the door and attach the handle. If the door opener is not attached to the door, you will first need to pick the location for the handle. Remember to place it above the main door’s handle so the new handle doesn’t get in the way. Once you have picked the placement of the handle, mark the location with a pencil and drill pilot holes. Then, attach the handle into place with the included screws.

Next, attach the included hook-and-eye latch to keep the door secure, as needed. Mark the location of the latch (usually above the handle) and drill pilot holes in the door jamb and in the screen door with a smaller drill bit. Then attach the hook-and-eye latch by hand.

Make Necessary Adjustments

Test the door by opening and closing it, attaching the latch each time to ensure the handle and latch are in the right position. If you notice the hinges are sagging, you may need to adjust the screws. Conversely, if the door is rubbing against the door jamb, you may need to loosen the screws for a proper fit.

If you notice a large gap between the bottom edge of the door and the door sill, you can install a door sweep on the bottom to prevent drafts, or crawling bugs and debris, from getting inside. A door sweep can be found at most hardware stores and is usually attached by drilling pilot holes and attaching the screws. However, refer to the manufacturer’s directions for detailed instructions.