How to Install Doors With Side Glass Panels

Build the Frame

• 1

  Pick the spot for the new door. Measure the required space for the new door. Turn off all electrical and plumbing sources to that wall to prevent any accidents. Call a professional electrician or plumber if you will need to move light switches or pipes.

• 2

  Remove the exterior siding and interior drywall to expose the framing inside. Siding may require a screwdriver to release the panels and lift them up from their stacked position. Pull drywall away with a hammer and wedge.

• 3

  Brace the area. Lay a 2-by-6 plank on the floor approximately 1 foot from the door location. Hold a second 2-by-6 plank overhead, flush to the ceiling. Have an assistant place four 2-by-4 studs upright between the two planks every 18 inches, creating a temporary frame bracing the above weight.

• 4

  Saw out old studs and framing in the new doorway. Set aside any components still in excellent condition that can be reused in the framing. Discard any damaged components.

• 5

  Build the header. Cut two 2-by-6 planks to fit between each wall stud in place in the exposed wall. Most sliders are 6 feet wide but you may have to cut an 8-foot header to support and frame the door. Use 1/2-inch thick plywood, cut to the same dimensions as the 2-by-6 planks, as a spacer between the two boards. Nail these three boards together using 3 1/2-inch framing nails from the top and bottom plank. Wedge the header between the existing studs along the top of the frame. Secure in place by drilling two holes from the stud outer side into the header and tightly screwing in place with 4-inch screws.

• 6

  Install the upright jambs. Measure the distance from the header to the floor and cut the 2-by-4 studs this length. Measure the distance required between the studs, 6 feet for most doors. Wedge the uprights in place. Use a level to make sure everything is even from top, bottom and both sides.

Install the Doors

• 7

  Assemble the door if it is not delivered already assembled. Each manufacturer will have slightly different instructions; however, all doors have similar designs. The sliding glass panel is installed into the interior track through the side that will be immobile. Slide the mobile panel in place and then place the immobile panel on the outside track. Secure with screws at designated points.

• 8

  Position the door in the frame. Use an assistant to help you; the doors are heavy and would require two people for proper installation. Measure and mark the screw holes on the frame into the side jambs and header. Take the door out and set it aside.

• 9

  Drill the marked holes. Caulk the exterior jambs, header and floor board with a thick line of silicone caulk to weatherproof the door.

• 10

  Set the doors in place, pressing them into the caulk. Use a level to confirm the doors are properly and evenly set. Nail the exterior frame into the jambs at the designated nail hole points. Check with a level, periodically, to ensure nothing has moved.

• 11

  Check the door and make sure it slides properly. Tighten the frame with the screws in the pre-drilled sections.

• 12

  Refinish the walls. Measure and cut drywall and siding. Replace siding the same way you took it off, stacking it from bottom to top and securing it with screws. Nail drywall in place with finishing nails. Paint and add any trim desired.