How to Rip Out Your Old Front Door (Because It’s Time to Break Up)
So, you’ve finally decided to rip out that old front door. It’s about time, isn’t it? That ancient slab of wood has probably been staring you down for years, making your house look more haunted than historic. And let’s be honest, the only thing holding it together is the layers of paint, questionable craftsmanship, and your sheer willpower.
Step 1. Admit You’ve Had Enough
You’ve tried to make it work, you really have. But let’s face it: your front door has been the Achilles' heel of your curb appeal for far too long. It’s warped, it creaks, and you’re pretty sure there’s something living in the cracks. But hey, it’s only been a couple of decades since it was last useful, right?
Assemble Your Tools (and Maybe a Drink)
Before you go full Hulk mode on this thing, gather your tools. You’ll need a hammer, a pry bar, and possibly a crowbar, depending on how stubborn your door decides to be. And if you’re smart, you’ll have a drink ready, too—because this is going to be one of those "fun" projects that makes you question all your life choices.
Detach the Door Like You’re Breaking Up with It
Remember, it’s YOU it’s not ME. Start by removing the door from its hinges. This is the moment where you can pretend you’re finally breaking up with it. But of course, like any good ex, it’s not going to let you go that easily. Those pins might be rusted or painted over, so get ready for a fight. Give them a good whack with your hammer. If they don’t budge, feel free to swear—it won’t help, but it will make you feel better.
Pry the Trim Off Like Peeling an Onion
With the door off, it’s time to tackle the trim. This is where things get messy. Get your pry bar under that trim and start prying it off. But be warned: this trim will resist. It’s been clinging to your house longer than you’ve been holding onto that terrible 90s haircut. And just like that haircut, it’s not going to go quietly.
As you peel back the layers, you might discover things you didn’t want to see—like the fact that the door frame has been secretly rotting away. Surprise! Time to add "fixing a rotten door frame" to your growing list of weekend projects.
Remove the Frame with the Grace of a Bull in a China Shop
Now, for the pièce de résistance: the door frame. This is where you really get to let out all your frustrations. Take that crowbar and go to town. Rip, tear, and destroy until the frame is out. It won’t be pretty, but it’s not like the door was winning any beauty contests to begin with.
Once the frame is out, step back and admire your work. You’ve successfully destroyed the one thing that’s been holding your house together. Love that it was only 3 nails? Really makes a boy feel safe.
Realize You’re Now Doorless and Maybe Panic a Little
As you stand in the gaping hole that used to be your front door, reality will set in: you’re doorless. That’s right, you’ve officially taken your home’s security down to zero. Take a moment to ponder how much easier life was when you didn’t have to worry about squirrels waltzing into your living room.
Clean Up the Aftermath (Because You’re an Adult)
Now comes the part that no one enjoys—cleaning up. Sweep up the splinters, gather the broken bits of wood, and try to get rid of the evidence that you just demolished a part of your house. You’ll probably need to make a trip to the dump, but that’s a small price to pay for progress, right?
Embrace the Chaos
Ripping out your old front door isn’t just a DIY project; it’s a cathartic experience. It’s about letting go of the past and embracing change. Sure, it’s messy, frustrating, and might make you question your sanity, but in the end, you’ll have a new front door that actually works. And isn’t that what we all want in life—a door that opens and closes without sounding like a dying walrus?
Soooo much better!
Dear Reader:
Forgive the dust on the house (it’s from sawing wood for the trim.)
I’ll pressure wash on a weekend when it’s not 5 million degrees out.
So go ahead, channel your inner demolition expert, and rip out that old front door. It’s about time you upgraded to something that doesn’t make your house look like it belongs in a horror movie.
Linkable products -
+ Shaker Hanging Door - Lowe’s
+ Laurel Oak Paint - Home Depot
+ Door Knocker (The lion & the snake) - Amazon
+ Rustoleum Frosted Glass - Amazon
+ Keyless Entry Lock - Amazon
+ Kwikset Deadbolt - Amazon
