Planning the work

Before choosing your new door, take a look at the other houses in your area to get an idea of what might be a suitable style and finish. Hardwood doors usually look best with a stained finish, but you can paint them if you wish. Softwood doors can be varnished or painted.

Before you hang a new door, store it somewhere dry, such as in the house or garage, and leave it to acclimatise to its surroundings.

Choose a dry day for hanging the door and start work as early as possible - if there's a chance you will not finish before dark, put the old door back on overnight.