[Beth777]

Okay. So it might be possible for us to do ourselves, but not as a rush job! Maybe we'll study the instructions before we decide if we're up to the task!

A couple more questions:

Is any one brand easier to install than another? Better directions, better-fitting parts, or all pretty much the same?

Also, is this a job that's easier with any special tools that the instructions may not mention?

We've found that sometimes instructions will call for tools that are too wimpy, and they don't mention something better that makes the whole job go easier. But we don't find that out till after we have struggled through with the inadequate tools, and we learn the hard way! If there's anything you know of that would help us to not learn the hard way, please share!

 

[Beth777]

Before you jump take a close look at the existing opening/frame and trim - its soundness, level, plumbness, consistancy of dimensions and squareness. - If it looks questionable , it is nt a DIY job.

Thanks...will definitely check into those things before we get too far into this! I sure hope it's all sound & straight.

 

[Beth777]

The high-end Larson doors look very nice!

The Pella brochure at Lowes describes an Express Install feature for "quicker, easier installation" in "as little as 60 minutes." Preassembled parts. No Cutting. Door and frame factory-assembled. Holes predrilled.

Has anybody worked with one of these?

Are Andersons a lot better?

Can't wait to get this worked out and have the doors actually on the house!

 

[Beth777]

I just installed 2 doors last week on my own home. I've done a few over the years. The front is a Larson and the back is a Pella. Different style doors and neither company offered both.

Both doors have good instructions. Read from start to finish before you begin. Typical homeowner tools. The Pella supplied the 7/8 spade bit with the door for drilling for the handle. Both were left or right hand optional installation, you choose so that's why they were not drilled for the handle and lock. Save some time here if you go with pre-drilled.

They say they can install in 60 min. Probably if you do it often. Took me 3 hrs for the first door.

Again, read the instructions all the way through before you begin. Identify the parts and understand what they are telling you to do. Cutting is easy with a good metal blade in your hack-saw. Only cuts were the bottom of the hinge It really isn't hard if you take your time. The second one will go much faster. I've included an image of one page of the instructions. Go to the Mfg site and they all have instructions on-line.

That's my ol' 2¢

If you've done a few over the years, then you qualify as experienced! Thanks for sharing insight. I will pre-study it all as much as possible, especially online, and get together the tools to put in my husband's hands on Saturday!

Question about the 2 brands you chose: Was the Pella easier to install than the Larson?

He shopped the Labor Day sale at Lowe's yesterday. Now we have a Pella Select Series storm door for the front that says it's "Express Install", and a screen-away Larson Tradewinds Fullview for the kitchen. The Larson screen-away door for the kitchen seemed sturdier than the Pella screen-away they had on display.

 

[Beth777]

Before you jump take a close look at the existing opening/frame and trim - its soundness, level, plumbness, consistancy of dimensions and squareness. - If it looks questionable , it is nt a DIY job.

It seems straight & square, and mostly sound. There was a little crack on the outside trimwork from where they replaced that exterior door last year, and put the old trim back in place. I spackled it and painted over it, but I know it's still there. Not sure if that crack will matter?

Should I replace that trim before working on the storm door there?

Do you have any specific advice for checking the door opening other than looking at it and measuring for consistency?