How to Install an Exterior Front Door with Sidelight

This video shares how to install an exterior door with sidelight. You'll also learn how to save $400! For more home improvement tips visit www.homerepairtutor.com/ 👍🏼
#exteriorfrontdoor #DIY #homerepairtutor
0:00 How to install an exterior front door with sidelight
0:13 How to measure for an exterior door size
1:47 How to remove old exterior front door
7:00 How to waterproof under exterior door sill
8:55 How to save $400 by sizing the sidelight
10:05 How to dry fit new exterior door
12:55 Applying silicone underneath door sill
14:16 How to secure new exterior door to jamb
19:59 How to properly cover screw holes
20:39 The right type of spray foam the doors
21:00 How to add trim to inside of door
These supplies were used in our video:
Fein Oscillating MultiTool
Milwaukee Sawzall
Diablo 9" Sawzall blade
Protecto Building Tape
DAP Kwik Seal Ultra Siliconized Caulk
Newborn Hybrid Tech Caulking Gun
Some product links may be Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
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Disclaimer:
Videos produced by Home Repair Tutor are provided for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Some of these projects, materials, and techniques may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. Home Repair Tutor does not make any claims of the safety of the projects, techniques, or resources listed on this site and will not take responsibility of what you do with the information provided by this site. Viewers must be aware by doing DIY projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and Home Repair Tutor cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. Home Repair Tutor cannot claim liability with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project.

[@Scuba_Bro]

I’m glad you showed a realistic installation! So many DIY’ers are completely misled and panic when this type of thing happens… it’s nice when people show the tricky stuff to pick up wisdom while learning 👍

[@treystills]

Thanks for showing the challenges during installation. I think showing all of the problems adds way more value to the video than just showing a perfect install.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thank you so much and yes, there were definitely some challenges, lol. Pulling the door several times to adjust is some times a reality

[@sinfalacias2009]

@@HomeRepairTutor Yes, I'll say something in spanish. Es bueno que muestre todos los problemas que aparecen cuando se instala una puerta o se hace cualquier trabajo, muchos videos tutoriales presentan cosas que no son reales, como instalar una puerta con la ayuda de la dueña de casa, no se manchan una uña y lo hacen aparentemente en tiempo record. La verdad es que siempre se presentan problemas que hay que saber resolver. Una cliente me dijo el otro día: Pero yo vi que hacían ese trabajo en 20 minutos cuando en realidad lleva un par de horas. En fin, muchas gracias por compartir tu experiencia. Un saludo.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

@@sinfalacias2009 ¡Gracias, apreciamos su amabilidad y comentario en español, que estamos tratando de aprender!

[@korbinjericho9564]

I know im randomly asking but does anyone know a trick to log back into an instagram account? I stupidly forgot my password. I would love any help you can offer me

[@kannonbrixton9771]

@Korbin Jericho instablaster =)

[@kylekells7937]

Instead of screwing into the outside of the jam, I usually pull the weatherstripping out and countersink screws into the interior jam that are then hidden when the weatherstripping is put back on. That sidelight is tricky though!

[@jasonpayne3956]

Great video! I love how he ran into unusual problems and showed what he did to resolve them. Much more useful than a video where everything goes smoothly.

[@bradmorgan911]

Great video. I am really glad you didn't edit out the parts where you had problems with the jamb and tile and had to take the door out and fix things. That's real world and what someone would really experience and nice to see how you fixed those issues. In most of these type of videos the contractor will edit out the parts where things don't work to make it look like everything works perfectly on the install and that's not the way it ever works, at least for me. Thanks again for putting together a great tutorial and video.

[@teh60]

I like the way you made everything fit plumb and square. Also everything is weatherproof and sealed nicely. Nice work Steve.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thank you, waterproofing the wood was very important to keep dry for this doorway!

[@522Dusty]

Thanks again, showing the issues that can arrive, especially making sure the frame is square. Sidelight doors are more sensitive to adjust squareness. As mentioned by other comments this was so useful by not editing out the installation issues.

[@o0Avalon0o]

Thank you! I still have to do more research into this, but there's nothing as helpful as an experienced person, doing a demo video.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thank you, hopefully these tips help both with choosing the door and the installation

[@Rick_James]

Showing it’s not just unscrew and screw in install is great. There’s always issues and walking thru them helped a ton

[@cyrilnorrie8450]

This is an excellent video where you showed how to deal with real-world problems that almost inevitably occur . Many videos show an ideal install. Thanks for sharing the many tips you had.

[@moneymakingmikeg.9555]

What a refreshing change of pace!! Now, you guys know that the tiling videos tend to be my favorite but, this one is a great step bye step break down of how to properly install the door. And... I'm kinda glad you had a few hiccups with the jam. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase some trouble shooting & remedy the situation. Hoping all is well guys, Dirty Jersey out!!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thanks Mike, totally agree. Too many videos in exterior doors look way easier than they can be. So we wanted to include the challenges. Hope you’re having an awesome day

[@MaMa-qh4dy]

Real-world carpentry!! Thank you for another GREAT video.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thanks Ma Ma, always appreciate your comments 🙏🏻

[@isaacblough1317]

One of the only videos I could find on installing an entry door with a side light. Thank you, this was a very informative video.

[@dennisryeater9047]

Going to put a new front on my mobile home. Doing a lot of research and all of the videos are putting me in the right direction. Thanks

[@bettywilton7262]

Great clear instructions. Thank you

[@samsun_simpson6192]

YOU LEGIT HOMIE. THANKS FOR ALL THE TIPS

[@markt9790]

Good video with important details that separates a good install from a cheap one.

[@kirkswenson5130]

Awesome vid, very helpful. Thanks for posting!

[@greatwhitenorth3717]

This is excellent and that is real carpentry advice!

[@sabarabdul6024]

Good work

[@CrookedJoeBiden]

Thank you.

[@angelarciniega7294]

Very good video

[@bluemonday17]

Great work! Great video!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thank you

[@lvvry1855]

Amazing work and video, but why would you not check for level, plumb, square, depth of threshold, etc., before installing? Was this an oversight?

[@skeetime]

Yes it was an oversight. The only time you need to use a level is to check the stoop, then put level back in truck.

[@h2oboater]

Absolutely Fantastic Job..👍👍

[@buzzpatch2294]

thanks good vid

[@hoeonthestro]

I've never left an existing jamb in the wall . I've never used a 48" t level to plumb a 80" door. I've never had that may issues installing a door. But thank you for posting this . I do warranty work for most of the door manufacturers and its work like this that pay my Bill's.

[@davidflaherty7599]

Lmao this is a great video of everything not to do

[@skeetime]

@@davidflaherty7599 I agree this install was a disaster. I was cringing the entire video.

[@brianwilliams205]

It's kinda interesting that you armchair quarterbacks don't have a channel full of videos helping people in a better way.

[@kennycasillas901]

@@brianwilliams205 I'm a DIYer and I wouldn't even do this and never had problems like this. I would have removed everything and bought and appropriate sized door. But what do I know.

[@skip7145]

Excellent!!

[@BarackObama6483]

Not a bad job but always make sure the frame is plumb and level first

[@cosme3345]

good work (buen trabajo)

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thank you so much

[@yxhankun]

very informative.

[@bucky5063]

Great video thank you

[@grahamworksconstruction]

I have fought with door installations as well. The outcome is what matters good job

[@raymondbittner6167]

Nice job

[@fredsanchez311]

It is a great video and very informative with detailed explanation. The only suggestion if I could provide is to go a bit slower on the installation. Thanks.

[@davidflaherty7599]

Great video of everything not to do while installing a door.

[@harrisond8132]

Nice video. I have a similar situation with a sidelite, but mine is 18" I think I will need to go custom. I don't understand why door companies aren't doing stock wider sidelights.

[@SprouseyTheHandyMan]

Just finally found your KZbin channel I have been following you on Facebook for awhile

[@dakotapierce6038]

Can you replace door/jam and leave sidelight?

[@kung_fu_panda_69]

Hello, what gauge nails did you use to finish the interior door trim?

[@JasonThelen333]

Have you ever installed a door before? You set yourself up the minute you left the exisiting brick mold.

[@Samestori214]

Every door I do ends up like this. Especially on older homes that don't have up to date roughing.

[@leafyutube]

But most doors with sidelite are 52.75 inches. My door width is 56 inches. How do I make up this 3.25 inch gap?

[@marthacunningham2028]

I had a new front door and two sidelights fitted and the installer fitted it to the uneven floor instead of levelling it to the frame. What a mess. He returned and levelled one side light and the door but couldn't level the other sidelight as there wasn't the space!

[@cosme3345]

Saludos

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thank you

[@kennycasillas901]

Not sure if there is a real savings here. A DIYer would not have the tools to make this micro adjustments all over the place. They would have to buy them. Hence lost savings. I'm s DIYer. I always remove the old entirely and install the new. I've gotten the right size each time and never had to force a door in nor adjust the door or frame to get it in. I always check plumb and level before fastening the entire door as well. As such my doors have always worked right the first time. Also you may be voiding any warranties with the adjustments on the door. I'm not sure I'd recommend this video. But hey way do I know?

[@AngelMartinez-eg5zz]

How much does a job like this usually cost

[@japmlp09]

I install these and haul away for 1100 labor

[@lvvry1855]

Where do you find the building tape at 7:00 in Canada?

[@irfansharif4177]

👍👍👍👍

[@gliddenrivera6846]

Odd method,: the sill needs to be dead nuts before installing the door (checking the sill would save you some pain) 6’ level is needed to level the jambs. Anyway, I suppose it’s way to criticize while I sit on my coach. Most tradesmen are good at finding the flaw in the work of other tradesmen who share the craft. I give you an A for making the video. .

[@danmailman18]

I think after you got done watching this, you should redo your entire video. How about starting off with adjusting the floor so that it is level and then measuring, instead of beating a new jamb in. Just my Monday morning quarterback thoughts.

[@maciejfassa4394]

If anyone is looking for good European doors, I could suggest Dako.

[@sevenmalards]

He said the jamb was “unlevel” I think you mean out of plumb there bud. You NEVER EVER hold the trim tight to the hinge….the hinge pivots and the door piece will rub the trim every time you open/close the door. Trim gets held off 1/16”-1/8” OFF the hinge. Stop cutting corners

[@onthefarm7476]

i just lost 23 mins of my life that i can never get back holy shit

[@BO_Riddle]

whose decision was it to go to a door that lets in less light. 😆

[@kmnmalaska]

You're going to save $400? The extra labor you're doing, plus you wailing on that door to fit a too small opening? I don't see it.

[@12packnight81]

This is what happens in real life. If you save the $ and have someone else do it you will never learn for yourself. In these times it is important to be resilient and adapt - Kinda like this guy!

[@sevenmalards]

This is what happens when someone installs a door that is not a carpenter!!! I’ve never EVER seen a carpenter install a door by installing the frame separate from the door….they go in together bud….and what did he do to the new frame on the outer upper corner of the sidelight? Looks like a beaver chewed on it.

[@wienurr]

This is rediculous. I dont think i can do this lol

[@Stephen_Burton]

Smh! Wow.horrible

[@bigdaddya735]

Bad video to learn from...lol

[@mattmurphy4635]

I think this guy seen a video one time on how to install a door. Then said grab the camera honey....I can do it!!! One hour. Take out the old put in the new. Trim both sides. Caulk. Clean up and gone. And I won't put the door in and take it out 7 times.