5 Steps To Easily Replace Exterior Door Casing

Replace Exterior Door Casing

Exterior door casing, also known as door trim, serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose. Replacing it can significantly enhance the curb appeal of your home while protecting the door frame from the elements. However, replacing exterior door casing requires precision and attention to detail to ensure a seamless and weather-resistant finish.

$title$

Before embarking on the replacement process, it is crucial to choose the right materials. Exterior door casing is typically made from durable materials such as wood, vinyl, or composite. Wood, while aesthetically pleasing, requires regular maintenance to prevent rot and decay. Vinyl, on the other hand, is low-maintenance and moisture-resistant, making it an ideal choice for harsh weather conditions. Composite materials offer a balance between the beauty of wood and the durability of vinyl, making them a popular option.

Once the materials are selected, the replacement process involves removing the old casing, measuring and cutting the new casing, installing it around the door frame, and securing it with nails or screws. It is important to ensure that the casing fits snugly around the door frame to prevent water infiltration. Additionally, proper sealing around the edges is essential to prevent drafts and ensure the longevity of the installation.

Assessing the Damage

Replacing exterior door casing involves not only cosmetic repairs but also safeguarding the structural integrity of your home. Before you embark on this project, it’s crucial to thoroughly inspect the damage and determine its extent.

Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you assess the situation:

Component	Signs of Damage	Potential Causes
Casing Boards	Cracking, splitting, warping, rot, pest infestation	Water penetration, impact, extreme temperatures
Trim	Paint chipping, peeling, fading	Exposure to sun, rain, debris
Flashing	Rust, corrosion, gaps	Improper installation, aging
Threshold	Cracking, warping, rot	Water damage, excessive load

Once you’ve identified the damaged components, you can prioritize repairs and determine the necessary materials for replacement. A thorough assessment will pave the way for a successful exterior door casing replacement and enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of your home.

Removing the Old Casing

Replacing the exterior door casing is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in a few hours. The first step is to remove the old casing, which is typically held in place by nails or screws. To remove the nails or screws, you will need a hammer or a screwdriver.

Once the nails or screws have been removed, you can carefully pry the old casing away from the door frame. Be careful not to damage the door frame or the door itself.

In some cases, the old casing may be glued in place. If this is the case, you will need to use a utility knife to carefully cut the glue. Be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses when using a utility knife.

Once the old casing has been removed, you can clean the door frame to prepare it for the new casing.

Tips for Removing the Old Casing

Here are a few tips for removing the old casing:

Tip	Description
Use a sharp utility knife	A sharp utility knife will make it easier to cut through the glue that may be holding the old casing in place.
Wear gloves and safety glasses	Wearing gloves and safety glasses will protect you from injuries when using a utility knife.
Be patient	Removing the old casing can be a time-consuming process. Be patient and take your time to avoid damaging the door frame or the door itself.

Installing the New Casing

Once the old casing has been removed, it’s time to install the new one. Here are the steps:

Measure and cut the casing: Measure the width and height of the door opening. Cut the casing pieces to the appropriate lengths. Miter the corners of the casing pieces at a 45-degree angle.
Apply adhesive to the door frame: Apply a generous amount of construction adhesive to the door frame.
Install the casing: Place the casing pieces on the door frame, aligning them at the mitered corners. Press firmly to secure the casing in place.
Fasten the casing: Use 2-inch casing nails or screws to fasten the casing to the door frame. Drive the nails or screws through the casing and into the door frame at a slight angle. Sink the nails or screws just below the surface of the casing. Fill the nail or screw holes with wood filler.
Caulk the seams: Apply a bead of caulk around the seams between the casing and the door frame. Use a damp cloth to smooth out the caulk.
Paint or stain the casing: If desired, paint or stain the casing to match the door and trim.

Additional Tips for Installing the New Casing

Here are a few additional tips to help you install the new casing:

Tip	Description
Use a level to ensure that the casing is installed straight.
Countersink the nails or screws slightly below the surface of the casing.	This will help to prevent the nails or screws from popping out over time.
Apply a bead of caulk around the seams between the casing and the door frame.	This will help to prevent air and water from leaking into the home.
If desired, paint or stain the casing to match the door and trim.	This will give the door a finished and professional look.

Attaching the Casing

Once the casing pieces are cut and prepared, it’s time to attach them to the door frame. Here’s how to do it:

Start with the jambs: Place the jamb casing pieces in place against the door frame, flush with the edges of the frame. Secure them with finish nails, driving them in at an angle to prevent splitting.

Add the head casing: Slide the head casing piece over the jamb casings and center it over the door frame. Secure it with finish nails, again driving them in at an angle.

Install the plinth block: If you’re using a plinth block (a small, triangular piece at the bottom of the door), place it in place and secure it with finish nails.

Check for gaps and fill them: Once all the casing pieces are attached, check for any gaps or uneven edges. Fill any gaps with wood filler or caulk and smooth it out with a putty knife or your finger.

Secure the corners with mitered joints: To ensure a clean and professional finish at the corners, miter the ends of the casing pieces at a 45-degree angle using a miter saw or miter box. Apply wood glue to the mitered surfaces and press them together firmly. Reinforce the mitered joints with finish nails driven into the edges.

Countersink the nails: Using a nail set, countersink the finish nails just below the surface of the casing. This will hide the nails and create a smooth, finished look.


Tip: For added strength and durability, consider using exterior-grade wood glue along with finish nails to secure the casing pieces.

7. Install the Trim

Now it’s time to install the trim. The trim will cover the gaps between the door frame and the wall, giving your door a finished look. Here are the steps on how to install trim around an exterior door.

Measure the length of the trim: First, measure the length of the trim that you need to install. Cut the trim to the right length using a miter saw.

Cut the miter joints: Miter joints are 45-degree angles that are cut into the ends of the trim. These joints will allow the trim to fit together snugly around the door frame. To cut a miter joint, use a miter saw.

Position the trim: Once you have cut the trim to the right length and mitered the joints, position the trim around the door frame. Make sure that the trim is flush with the wall and that the miter joints are aligned properly.

Secure the trim: There are two ways to secure the trim: nailing it or stapling it. If you are nailing the trim, use 1-inch finish nails. If you are stapling the trim, use a staple gun with 1-inch staples.

Caulk the joints: Once the trim is secured, caulk the joints between the trim and the wall. This will help to seal out moisture and prevent drafts. Use a paintable caulk that matches the color of your trim.

Paint the trim: If you want to paint the trim, now is the time to do it. Use a paint that is designed for exterior use and that matches the color of your door.

How to Miter Trim
1. Measure the length of the trim that you need to install. Cut the trim to the right length using a miter saw. 2. Position the trim around the door frame. Make sure that the trim is flush with the wall and that the miter joints are aligned properly. 3. Secure the trim: There are two ways to secure the trim: nailing it or stapling it. If you are nailing the trim, use 1-inch finish nails. If you are stapling the trim, use a staple gun with 1-inch staples.

How to Miter Trim

1. Measure the length of the trim that you need to install. Cut the trim to the right length using a miter saw.

2. Position the trim around the door frame. Make sure that the trim is flush with the wall and that the miter joints are aligned properly.

3. Secure the trim: There are two ways to secure the trim: nailing it or stapling it. If you are nailing the trim, use 1-inch finish nails. If you are stapling the trim, use a staple gun with 1-inch staples.

Final Touches

9. Caulking and Touch-ups

Once the casing is firmly in place, it’s time to seal any gaps around the edges. Apply exterior-grade caulk to the joints between the casing and the door frame, as well as any gaps between the casing and the wall. Smooth the caulk with a damp cloth, being careful not to smear it on the door or the casing. Touch up any areas of the casing that need sanding or painting. Use a light touch and blend the repairs seamlessly with the existing finish.

10.Hardware Reinstallation

Reinstall the door handle, lock, and any other hardware that was removed during the casing replacement. Make sure the hardware is properly aligned and secure.

11.Clean-Up

Remove any debris or residue from the work area. Vacuum the floor and wipe down any surfaces that may have gotten dirty during the project.

How to Replace Exterior Door Casing

Replacing exterior door casing is a relatively simple DIY project that can be completed in a few hours. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can give your door a new, updated look.

Remove the old casing. Using a pry bar or a flathead screwdriver, carefully remove the old casing from around the door frame. Be careful not to damage the door jamb or the trim around the door.
Measure and cut the new casing. Measure the height and width of the door opening. Cut the new casing to the appropriate size, making sure to miter the corners at a 45-degree angle.
Install the new casing. Apply a thin bead of caulk to the back of the new casing. Position the casing around the door frame and nail it in place. Countersink the nails slightly below the surface of the casing.
Caulk and paint. Once the casing is installed, caulk any gaps between the casing and the door frame. Allow the caulk to dry completely, then paint the casing to match the rest of the trim.