How To Install Spring Hinges On Screen Door

I love those old wood screen doors that just push open and then bang shut when they close. Something about them just makes me think of summer and kids flying out the door to play. A couple of weeks ago, I came across them at Lowe's and brought one home. They had a few different styles and were relatively inexpensive. The opening of our door was 32 inches, so I bought the 32 inch door for $34.99. The door hardware was included.

wooden screen door from lowe's

We (Big Daddy) installed it in the family room, on the door that leads to the deck. The whole installation took less than an hour, which in this old house, is unheard of. This is the deck door before:

French door opening to the deck

Terrible, I know. At one point I was going to paint it purple, but I gave up. The door really needs to be replaced. I felt like the prep work, to get the door ready for painting, wasn't worth it. Here we are today, and the door still hasn't been replaced. So, I will be painting it and the new screen door, sigh.

How to Install a Screen Door

Supplies:

Tools needed to install a screen door

– Drill

– Measuring Tape

– Pencil

– Door Hardware

Measure from the top of the door to the center of each hinge and mark each hole with a pencil.

measuring for placement of the hinges

Measure hinge #1, 7″ from the top of the door. Hinge #2 38″ from top of the door.Hinge #3, 69″ from the top of the door.

measure for hinge placement

Using a 3/32″ drill bit, drill 1/4″ deep pilot holes. Attach hinges using screws.

Drill pilot holes for the hinges

Select door handle placement (we eyeballed it), and drill 1/4″ pilot holes using a 3/32″ drill bit. Attach the handle using screws.

attatch the door handle with screws

Select closure spring position on the inside of the screen door and mark the screw location on the door jam and on the door with a pencil. Drill pilot holes. Attach one eye screw to the door jam and one eye screw to the door.

attach door spring

Then, with the door closed, attach the closer spring to the two eye screws.

attach door spring

surface hinge mount screen door from lowe's

surface hinge mounted screen door

Paint and voila:

how to install a screen door

french foor painted white

What a difference a coat or three of paint makes. It isn't perfect, but it will do until we get a new door- someday…

how to install a screen door

The screen door and french door together. Now, I just have to figure out how to get white paint off the screen. Any suggestions? Sometimes painters tape gives you a false sense of security.

White screen door

Now we just need to change the light, add a door mat and a pot of flowers.

how to install a screen door

Piper posed for me, isn't she a sweety? The cats are usually sitting by the door but they wouldn't cooperate.

Cavanese dog, white screen door

white sreen door and a cavanese dog

cavanese dog and white screen door

I love the new screen door. I hated painting it, but I love it. It provides a nice breeze in the back of the house and the pets all love looking out the door.

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