Hi Folks,

My last project was installing a new rear entry door in a house on a slab. I followed
the instructions from Masonite, leveled the sill, plumbed the jambs. When the door was closed, the gap at the top was 1/8 inch at the hinge side, WOW 1/4 inch on the lock side on a 32 inch door. When I put the framing square on the door, it was out of square slightly over 3/32 on the 24 inch side of the framing square. Moral of the story, forget leveling the threshold and then plumbing the jambs. Just leave the door in the frame and plumb it using the hinges and a level as the plumb line. In order to get the door looking correct it was necessary to leave the threshold out of level. So much for PRECISION manufacturing processes. If the manufacturers have lousy machinery, they will get lousy results on the finished product.

JMHO

Carl

Manufacturers are at fault many times, but other times it may be something that we DIY's just have to deal with. Thanks for sharing your experience. I can understand the frustration as my husband and I hung a few doors at our place before the fire and ran into some of the same troubles. I used to blame the manufacturer also. I soon learned that it wasn't neccesarily them. It was our house.

Whether it was due to settling or original construction, our house wasn't the squarest thing around. I can remember when we divided one room into two...that was fun...to cut the board for the wall, we had to measure about every 8-10 inches so there wasn't this big gap at the other end. It was funny after the fact, but in the process it sure was nerve racking. In the end it was worth it because it came out really nice.

Hope to hear more...


MiniFoxx
Formerly AJ-trucker's wife

Some have better luck next time around,
some don't, and some don't even try.

Howdy Minifoxx and welcome to the world of Moderatordom!

I should mention that I'd never thought I'd ever respond to a forum that had the word "BLOG" in the title--but that's another matter....

I also should mention that hanging doors (especially heavy exterior doors) is not the easiest skill in the world. I've tried doing this, and have learned enough to know over the years that a professional sure can make it look easy!

Regards,
-k2 in CO

Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum

http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous

Thanks K2, I'm looking forward to this. I have to give the credit to Greg, as he is the one who brought this to me.

Blog - I'm doing some digging on this word. I've never heard it before. It's origin should be interesting.

I don't think too many will disagree about doors. And I guess the pros get paid what they do because they DO know how to make it ALL look easy. But that's why we DIY'ers are special...

So what kind of projects have you been working on lately? Hope you'll start a thread here.

Thanks and have a GREAT DIY day!



MiniFoxx
Formerly AJ-trucker's wife

Some have better luck next time around,
some don't, and some don't even try.

I've heard the "word" (if you can call it that) "blog". I think it's a derivation of "weblog" (what kind of word is that?) but I don't know for sure. Internet silliness, I say.

As for projects, I have a lot more projects than money, unfortunately. I'm having to re-do decks (house is 23 years old). We re-did the kitchen last year. (OK, it's 98% complete--but when is a house ever "complete?") The decks were poorly designed--they were at living-floor level. They should've been dropped about 6" because of snowfall. We're (hopefully) doing it right this time. I did the deck demolition but will have them re-done professionally.

It's all I can do to keep up with the house.
As for the decks, my body is pretty beat up after the demolition--and it's time to call in a pro! :)

You have a great DIY day too!

Regards,
-k2 in CO

Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum

http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous