Bought new metal door (love it) won’t fit in metal frame!!! HELP

Oh no that's the worst! Are you sure the hinges are aligned and that the door is totally straight when reattached? That could prevent it from fitting in correctly.

This old door kind of looks like the type that used to be installed on a mobile home. Perhaps the previous owner purchased one from a mobile surplus store. They always come in odd sizes. If so, you must remove the old metal frame and install a new frame, either metal or wood to get your door to fit.

Take out frame..add the width add trim(?) reattach frame!?

Increase the size of the frame or buy a new door. Be sure to measure to fit, the metal doors cannot be cut down.

Remove metal frame and put in a new wood frame.

I agree with everyone else, you've got to work with the frame. If you don't feel that you have the skills, call a pro to install it. If you bought it at a place like Lowes, they can hook you up with the right person. If not, I'd suggest getting on a website called NextDoor.com. It's a website where they divide people into neighborhoods which also connects to other nearby neighborhoods. The one I belong to has been wonderful for finding good people for doing small - or large jobs. You can just post and ask if anyone knows someone who installs doors. Easy Peasy. I had been looking for a handyman for almost a year before I joined NextDoor.com. I had at least 10 that I called. Some never called back. Some came and looked at the project and never called back with their quote. ARRGGHH. On NextDoor, someone responded within an hour about their handyman. I called right away and left a message. The man called me back that night, came over the next day to quote the job. He had a cancellation the following day so we took that spot. From Tuesday to Thursday the job was done!

Since a door cost more than a frame, and you love the door, replace the frame. OR, since you are only looking to gain a 16th of an inch on each side of the frame maybe you could remove any molding around the frame and see if you can remove any shims that might be there. Once the shims are out put a 2 x4 between the frame and your hammer and give it a couple of wacks on each side. You don't need to move it much but you do need to keep it square and plumb.

hanging a door is not easy, it takes real skill.. A lot of "handyman" people cannot do a proper job. Not only do you need a professional, you need someone who specializes in hanging doors.

I agree, get a professional to reframe your doorway, so all your hard work won't be in vain!

use a wooden frame and after painting it go over it with polyurethane (liquid plastic

I’ve thought about this, when I get time I may do have to do that. Wish there were a way around doing that!

Can you take out part of the frame and sand like crazy (whichever way it's to small that is) and reattach frame?

I had the same problem I cured it with surface mount geared hinges you will just one about 120 bucks It came out great!

ok, here’s the scoop! I have read your question, I’ve read every response before mine and here’s my advice;

you said painted and sealed, correct? There’s your 1/8 “ too much!

1. Did you paint and seal where your hinges go?

2. If the answer to #1 is no, the proceed to sand off the jamb portion of your door. Id be willing to be you can fix this for a whopping $0!!!

let me know.

DO NOT, attempt to adjust you frame. Metal expands and contracts just like wood, just at a different rate! FYI

Then you will have to increase the size of the door frame, which can be very difficult. I would go to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, if you have one in your area and buy a new door for less. They carry new and used doors, windows, etc.

I use to sell and service metal doors and frames, Metal frames as in you picture looks like a commercial type frame, they are made smaller than a residential door that you buy from a building supply store, check the width of the frame if it is 36" , that's assuming you have a 36" door, then you have no choice but to replace the metal frame with a wood one , plus you may even have a problem with the height unless some one has modified the threshold , {example: A commercial metal door measures 35 3/4" wide by 79 1/4, a residential door from a building supply is 36" wide , 80" height,} so you can not put a 36" door in a 36" frame opening because you have to have 1/8" gap on both sides of the door for it to open correctly . the only way to put another door in the metal frame is to use a wood door that can cut down to fit the frame. which is why their is a wood door in it now.

Thanks Bob!!

I have an observation..the 'doggy door' is huge! Have you considered that someone beside a 'doggie' can crawl through? We were taking care of a friends home and accidentally left key in house when door shut. Our son went through doggie door to unlock the door. Just say'n.

but like the others say. You are going to have to put in a new frame, and I wood use wood, for that very reason. If it ever needs to be taken in again, you will be able to shave off some of the wood, but metal you are out of luck. Just a bit of advice, next time buy a door with the frame attached, they are much easier to install, and usually work with. Good luck, you did a great job on refinishing it though.

Thank you Rmrmlooking8, I bought the house for next to nothing. Sight unseen for a steal! So the House came first then the door. I fell in love with with the door. I only paid 20 bucks for it!!!!!! I asked only to see if anyone else knew any tricks of the trade.