Replies

1. 
   JackWoody | May 04, 2003 08:23pm | #1

   Instead of a "home store", try a builders supply store. Better yet one that supplies doors, windows, and trim.

   or,

   While in the HS, look at their exterior pre-hung doors and model your jambs after theirs.

2. 
   JeffKurtz | May 04, 2003 09:00pm | #2

   Harry,

   I'd say that if they are nice looking doors, aluminum would really detract from their appearance and shouldn't even be an option.  If you do go with wood, be sure to use white oak rather than red; it holds up a lot better.

   BTW, last summer I put a full view storm door on the main entrance.  House was built in 1887, and the original white oak sills are still there and appear to be good for the next 100 years.

   Jeff

3. 
   JPGrout | May 05, 2003 09:09am | #3

   Harry

   You need frames not jambs for an exterior door. They have a slot behind the door on the interior side to install weather strip (something else you need). You also need a T astragal for an exterior door set and a set of flush bolts to hold the inactive door in place so the active door can be secured (latched and locked).

   You can build sills and as someone mentioned you should use white oak, but I prefer the adjustable bronze aluminium sills for exterior doors.

   You say the doors swing out so you should buy an outswing sill. If you make your own sill try to allow for drainage awwy from the inside of the house.

   The bronze (brown)ones look good in nearly all applications and do a far better job of keeping the drafts out at the bottom of the door. These are available in 6'+ lengths( I get a 73" one to allow for the astragal). You will also need bottom door sweeps. I have used many types but I like the ones that have an aluminum channel with a replacable rubber sweep.

   BTW all the parts I have refered to above are avaliable at any well stocked lumberyard except maybe the flush bolts and the sill. You should be able to order what you need.

   When measure out the opening do not forget to add the width of the margins (3/32"times 3= 9/32") plus the width of the astragal. Your unit will be too big to fit the opening if it already exists and there is not at least 3" extra in the rough opening. You may have to resize the door width if the R.O. is less than 3" extra.

   I cut rabbets into the base of the frame legs for the sill using a router and a jig to set rhe rabbet. The frame leg needs to be a minimum of 1/2" shorter than the R.O. and the formula for the sill I use is to measure from the bottom of the rabbet at the top (head) of the door down the length of the door + 3/8". That is the high point of the sill rabbet on the exterior side of the door, no matter how wide the sill is.

   Hope this helped Joe

   edit:

   After doing all this I reread your original post and now I am not sure if this is an interior or an exterior door unit. If it is indeed an interior application you do not need a sill just set the jamb legs on the floor. I am not sure how you intend to latch the doors if they are an interior set but an astragal is still a good way to make the unit so it can be secured.

   Joe

   
   

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   Edited 5/5/2003 2:19:31 AM ET by JOEGROUT

1. 
   Harry6144 | May 10, 2003 07:57pm | #4

   Got your message and the parts and thanks for the advice.  Found a local gentlemen who says he can help me thru the first one, and that is probably the best way to go since I have never done this before.

   Harry