How to Fortify a Door

Install a stronger door to reduce kick-ins. Protect your home and family from burglars with a steel clad door or a solid wood door that's at least 2 inches thick.

Buy a grade one deadbolt from the hardware store and replace your existing inferior lock by following the packages instructions. Read the package carefully and choose a deadbolt that's made of hardened steel and features a five-pin tumbler lock, which are more difficult to pick.

Position a door stop underneath the door. This security item can slow down intruders as they enter your home, giving you time to call for help or to find a safe place.

Situate a barricade bolt on the interior of doors. Install brackets on both sides of the door frame with four-inch wood screws. Position a long piece of thick wood in the brackets. The wood piece lies horizontally across the center of the entire door, thus protecting the door from push-ins or unwanted entry.

Strengthen the door frame. Burglars can kick doors off the frame and enter the house. Reduce the chances of a kick-in by installing wood shims between the door frame and the wall frame. Detach any molding prior to installing wood shims. Secure wood shims to wall frame studs by using at least 6-inch steel screws.