Reinforcing Your Bedroom Door: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to reinforce a bedroom door

Reinforcing a bedroom door can be done in several ways, depending on the type of door and the level of security desired. The most common methods include reinforcing the door frame, upgrading the door locks, and securing the door hinges.

For example, replacing short screws with longer ones can help anchor the striker plate and door hinges more firmly into the door frame, making the door more resistant to forced entry.

Additionally, reinforcing the door frame with a layer of steel or a steel door frame can prevent the frame from splitting during forced entry attempts.

Upgrading the door locks to high-security or pick-resistant locks, such as those with anti-snap cylinders or Grade 1 deadbolts, can also enhance security.

Other methods include installing door wraps to strengthen the door, adding security bars or door chains, and reinforcing the door itself by opting for solid-core doors made from sturdy materials like solid wood or steel.

By combining these methods, homeowners can effectively reinforce their bedroom doors, deter potential intruders, and increase their sense of safety.

Characteristics Values
Door type Solid wood, steel, fiberglass, or hollow core
Door condition No rot or rust
Door hardware Hinges, deadbolt strike plate, door-lock reinforcement, security features
Door jamb Robust metal or wood strip, or layer of steel
Door frame Steel, wood
Door lock ANSI rating of 2 or 1, high-security cylinders, smart lock
Door security Security bar, door chain, door barricade, door jammers, door wraps

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Replace the door with a sturdier one

If you're looking to reinforce your bedroom door, one of the best ways is to replace it with a sturdier one. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you with the process:

Step 1: Measure the Existing Door and Door Frame

Before purchasing a new door, it's crucial to take precise measurements of the existing door and door frame. Measure the width of the door at the top, middle, and bottom, as well as the height and thickness. Standard interior doors are typically 1 3/8 inches thick. Also, note whether the door has a left-hand or right-hand swing. Remember to account for proper clearance: 1/8 inch on the sides and top, and 5/8 inch at the bottom for flooring or carpet.

Step 2: Choose the Right Door Type and Style

When selecting your new door, consider factors such as finish (primed, unfinished, or pre-finished), material (solid wood, hollow core, solid core, or MDF), and style (panel, flush, French, or bifold). Choose a door that complements your home's architectural style and meets your functional needs. Solid-core doors, for example, offer better sound insulation and are more resistant to moisture.

Step 3: Purchase the New Door

Once you've decided on the type and style of the door, it's time to buy it. Solid-core doors are typically priced between $100 and $500 at most lumber yards and home improvement stores. Solid wood doors tend to be more expensive. If you're on a budget, consider reusing the hinges and door hardware from your old door to save some money.

Step 4: Remove the Old Door

When your new door is ready, you can start by detaching the hinges from the old door. Remove the hinge pins, starting with the bottom hinge and working your way up. Ask someone to help support the door as you remove the final pin. Carefully lift the door off the hinges and set it aside.

Step 5: Prepare the New Door

Place the new door across a pair of sawhorses or a similar setup. Lay the old door on top, aligning the top end and lockset edge perfectly. Use the old door as a template to mark the hinge placement on the new door. Use a combination square or a speed square to mark the hinge locations accurately.

Step 6: Cut the New Door to Size

If needed, carefully trim the bottom of the new door to fit the existing door frame. You can use a table saw or a circular saw for this step. Remember to maintain proper clearance: 1/8 inch on the sides and top, and 5/8 inch at the bottom.

Step 7: Install Hardware on the New Door

Now, you can install the hardware on your new door. This includes chiseling out hinge mortises, attaching hinges, and installing the lockset. Stand the door on its edge with the hinge layouts facing up. Use a chisel and hammer to outline each mortise, and then chisel out the wood inside the marks. Tap the hinges gently into place, using a wood block to protect them.

Step 8: Hang the New Door

Finally, it's time to hang your new, sturdier door. Hold the door in the opening and verify that it's level and plumb. Align the hinge leaves on the door with those on the frame. Insert the hinge pins, starting with the top hinge and working your way down. Gently tap the pins with a hammer to fully seat them.

Step 9: Test Door Functionality

Test the door to ensure it opens and closes smoothly. Check the latch to see if it engages properly with the strike plate. Verify that there are even gaps around the door (1/8 inch on sides and top, 5/8 inch at the bottom). If the door rattles when closed, you may need to make minor adjustments, such as bending the tab inside the strike plate slightly for a tighter fit.

Step 10: Finishing Touches

You've now successfully replaced your bedroom door with a sturdier one. For an enhanced look, you may want to paint or stain the new door. Remove the door from its hinges for easier painting or staining. Apply primer, then your chosen paint or stain, and allow sufficient drying time between coats. Rehang the door once the finish is completely dry.

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Reinforce the door frame

The door frame is usually only an inch thick, so it can be broken with consistent force. To reinforce your door frame, you can add a layer of steel to prevent the frame from splitting. This steel should be placed over the door jamb, the vertical flat surface that runs up either side of the door frame and houses the strike plate. You can also replace the whole door frame with a steel alternative.

The best and simplest thing you can do to prevent door kick-ins is to replace the screws securing your door to the door frame. Throw out the 1/2-inch screws that were installed on your door hinges and door strike by the builder, and replace them with 3" to 3.5" screws. This is a DIY job that any homeowner comfortable with a power drill can do.

If you want to take this to the next level, you can remove the standard strike plate on the door frame and replace it with an elongated strike plate. This will allow you to use four or more 3" screws to secure that strike plate to the 2 x 4s behind the frame instead of just the two that a standard strike uses. This prevents the door from being kicked in by distributing force to multiple points.

You can also install a Birmingham Bar, widely recommended by police to strengthen a door frame against kick-in attacks. This is a multi-purpose flat security bar designed to strengthen the hinge side of the door frame on inward-opening doors.

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Strengthen the door's edge

The edge of the door is typically its weakest point. It is the section of the door where the bolts go through to lock into the door frame. The edge of the door is only secured to the frame by the bolt and the door's handle latch, which means there are only two areas of force that need to be distributed when the door is attacked. As the bolt and latch have a small surface area, they don't distribute the force very well.

To strengthen the edge of your door, you can install a steel or aluminium door wrap around it. A door wrap increases the surface area over which any force will be distributed. When force is more widely distributed, more force is needed to cause any damage and breach the door.

Bigger door wraps offer greater strength than smaller ones as they distribute the force more effectively. Small wraps usually work well when reinforcing a door that's made of metal or solid wood.

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Secure the door's hinges

The hinges are often the weakest point of a door, especially if they are of cheap and low-quality make. Intruders may use a well-placed, controlled kick to break or snap the hinges. Therefore, it is important to reinforce the hinges to make forceful attacks much harder to execute.

Types of Door Hinges

There are many types of hinges available in the market. The choice of hinge depends on factors such as the weight and size of the door, the decor of the room, and the level of security required.

For instance, ball-bearing hinges are perfect for exterior doors as they are great for heavy doors and have a smooth operation. For interior doors, custom door hinges or black door hinges are a popular choice as they complement modern decor. Oil-rubbed bronze door hinges and matte black door hinges are also good choices for exterior doors as they offer a stylish and sleek look while being durable.

Choosing the Right Hinges

When reinforcing door hinges, it is crucial to select the right type of hinges to prevent break-ins.

  • Size – The size of the hinges should be proportional to the size and weight of the door. Choosing hinges that are too small or weak can compromise security.
  • Material – The material of the hinges should be strong and durable. Stainless steel door hinges and brushed nickel door hinges are popular choices as they are resistant to corrosion. Brass hinges and oil-rubbed bronze hinges are also good options due to their strength and appearance.
  • Strength – It is important to evaluate the strength of the hinges to ensure they can withstand force and prevent break-ins. Look for hinges with a high weight capacity rating and use the appropriate number of screws to secure them to the door.

How to Reinforce Door Hinges

To reinforce door hinges, you will need the following tools and materials:

  • Power drill
  • Drill bits
  • Screwdrivers
  • Tape measure
  • Chisel
  • Reinforcing plates
  • Screws
  • Hinge bolts

The process of reinforcing door hinges involves the following steps:

  • Remove one hinge at a time.
  • Drill holes in the middle of the hinge.
  • Insert the hinge bolts.
  • Attach the reinforcing plates with screws to add strength to the hinges.
  • Repeat the process for the remaining hinges, ensuring that the hinge bolts are flush with the surface of the hinge.

By reinforcing your door hinges, you can significantly increase the security of your home and prevent intruders from gaining easy access.

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Reinforce the strike plate

The strike plate is a metal piece that's screwed into the door frame and receives the bolt when the lock is turned. Upgrading and reinforcing your door strike can reduce the risk of forced entries. Here are some ways to reinforce the strike plate of a bedroom door:

Reinforce your existing strike plate

If you need a quick fix on a budget, you can reinforce your existing door strike. A simple way to do this is by replacing the old screws with longer and more robust ones, which provide more holding power. Here's how you can do it:

  • Get hardened steel screws that are at least 3 inches long. Stainless steel is a good choice to prevent corrosion for exterior doors.
  • Ensure the diameter of the screws is a good fit for the material of the door frame. Screws with a larger diameter are usually more secure, but too thick screws may cause the door jamb to split.
  • Remove the existing screws.
  • Ensure the strike plate is aligned with the existing holes and secure it with the new, longer screws.
  • To prevent the strike plate from sliding out of its original position, replace one screw at a time.

Replace your existing strike plate with a heavy-duty model

You can also replace the whole strike plate with a heavy-duty model designed for improved security. Opt for a robust model made of high-quality steel, which is less likely to break under stress, and make sure it has a thickness of at least 1/3 inches. Reinforced corners will further improve sturdiness, and it should be a solid product consisting of a single piece. It should also come with long screws (at least 3 inches); if it doesn't, you must buy them separately.

A box strike plate is a type of security strike plate that comes with a steel cup that's inserted into the hole in the jamb. This box receives and encloses the deadbolt when you lock the door. The main advantage of a box strike plate over a standard strike plate is that when you lock the door, the bolt extends into a steel cup, providing extra security.

Another reliable type is a security lip strike plate, which is secured to the door jamb with usually 6 long screws. It partially protects the jamb, which reduces the likelihood of successful tampering. You can also choose a double strike plate, which has openings for both the latch and the bolt. It's usually thicker and more robust than a standard strike plate.

Use a door reinforcement kit

A door reinforcement kit provides a higher level of security than a single hardened strike plate. It improves the overall resistance of your door. A high-quality door reinforcement kit typically consists of a security strike plate and other pieces of hardware, such as an anti-pry plate. The main advantage of a door reinforcement kit is its holistic approach, helping reinforce some of the weakest parts of your door, including the strike plate and the hinges.

Frequently asked questions

The first step is to assess the condition of your door. If it's a solid-core door in good condition, you can enhance its security by upgrading the hardware and adding extra security features. If it's a hollow-core or lightweight decorative door, or if the areas where locks and hinges attach are soft/rusted, you should consider investing in a new door.

The strongest doors are typically made from solid wood or steel. However, some highly durable fibreglass doors with wood cores offer both strength and style. These doors will be more resistant to kicking and will accommodate upgraded locks and hardware.

You can reinforce a door frame by adding a layer of steel to prevent splitting. This involves placing high-gauge steel over the door jamb and securing it with long screws that penetrate the wall studs on all sides of the doorway. Alternatively, you can replace the entire door frame with a steel one, securing it with metal wall studs.

To reinforce door hinges, replace the standard hinge screws with longer screws (at least 2.5 inches). This will make it harder for burglars to remove the hinges and gain access. You can also consider installing jamb pins for added security.

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