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How to Install an Entry Door on a Concrete Slab

Entry doors are found on every house no matter how the house is built. They can be installed on wood, siding or a concrete slab. Installing entry doors on a concrete slab is a little more difficult than installing a door through wood because there is not as much room for error. You must measure the exact size of the opening. With the proper measurements, you can install an entry door on a concrete slab in a very short amount of time.

Things You'll Need

  • Drill
  • Circular saw
  • Safety goggles
  • Masonry drill bit
  • Masonry screws
  • 2 x 6 pressure treated lumber
  • Level
  • Shims
  • Caulk gun
  • Silicone sealant
  • Utility knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the width and height of the opening for the door to get the proper size for the new door. Run a tape measure across the block to get both measurements and round up to the nearest inch for the proper size door.

    • 2

      Cut pressure treated lumber to fit along the inside opening of each side. Cut the width of the lumber if necessary to fit the depth of the opening. Cut lumber to size for both sides with a circular saw. Predrill holes into the sides of the slab where the lumber will be installed. Insert a masonry drill bit three times equally spaced along the sides of the opening.

    • 3

      Line up the lumber and check to see that it is level by setting a level vertically on each side. Drill masonry screws through the predrilled holes to install the jamb along both sides.

    • 4

      Set the door in place from the outside of the house and open it. Insert a screw near the door handle along the hinge side into the jamb to hold it in place. Insert screws into the other side of the jamb. Pull back slightly on the weather stripping running vertically up the side of the frame. Insert a shim just above each screw between the frame and the jamb. Drive a few more screws into the hinge side to secure it to the jamb.

    • 5

      Check to see that the door is level by opening and closing it. Insert two more screws equally spaced above and below the screw that has already been installed. Run a bead of silicone sealant along the outside of the door to seal up any gaps or cracks. Cut off the excess shims with a utility knife. Open and close the door to verify that it is square, plumb and working properly.