Expanding a Window to a Door
![hdswt108_3aft_door](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2006/11/21/0/hdswt108_3aft_door.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.581.775.85.suffix/1400939129270.jpeg)
Exclusive directions from Don't Sweat It host Steve Watson for how to expand a window in your home into an entrance.
![hdswt108_3bef_window](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2006/11/21/0/hdswt108_3bef_window.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.581.775.85.suffix/1400939170758.jpeg)
Materials and Tools:
nails
2x4s
1x6s
pre-hung door kit
door hardware
pre-cut stringers
step treads
paint or stain
220-grit sandpaper
hammer
prybar
circular saw
reciprocating saw
screwdriver
level
pneumatic nail gun (optional)
paint or stain brushes
![hdswt108_3a_drawline frame 1](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2006/11/21/0/hdswt108_3a_drawline.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.581.436.85.suffix/1400939107980.jpeg)
Steps:
1. Draw lines down the exterior wall, directly below the edges of the window to have a guide to cut by. Start demolition from the outside in order to check for any electrical wiring or other obstructions.
![hdswt108_3b_cutvinyl](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2006/11/21/0/hdswt108_3b_cutvinyl.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.581.436.85.suffix/1400939107948.jpeg)
2. If cutting through vinyl siding, place the circular saw blade on backwards to prevent excessive damage. Cut through the siding, following the lines drawn on the wall.
![hdswt108_3c_removeoutsidewall](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2006/11/21/0/hdswt108_3c_removeoutsidewall.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.581.436.85.suffix/1400939108036.jpeg)
3. Remove the vinyl siding and any insulation or wood siding underneath.
4. Once the studs are exposed, check for any electrical wiring or other obstructions.
![hdswt108_3d_removecasing](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2006/11/21/0/hdswt108_3d_removecasing.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.581.436.85.suffix/1400939107967.jpeg)
5. Remove the window casing and window from the wall using the prybar and hammer.
![hdswt108_3e_removebottompartofwindow](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2006/11/21/0/hdswt108_3e_removebottompartofwindow.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.581.775.85.suffix/1400939170735.jpeg)
6. Using a reciprocating saw, cut along the studs all the way down to the floor.
![hdswt108_3f_removebottompartofwindow](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2006/11/21/0/hdswt108_3f_removebottompartofwindow.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.581.436.85.suffix/1400939129198.jpeg)
7. Remove the remaining wall.
8. Measure dimensions of the opening and cut 2x4s to build a frame that will hold the door. Nail all the frame pieces with a nail gun into the sides of the opening.
![hdswt108_3h_attachdoortoframe frame 1](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2006/11/21/0/hdswt108_3h_attachdoortoframe.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.581.436.85.suffix/1400939107997.jpeg)
9. Slide the new door in place and nail it to the frame. Install the hardware on the door, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
![hdswt108_3i_framedoor frame 1](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2006/11/21/0/hdswt108_3i_framedoor.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.581.436.85.suffix/1400939079392.jpeg)
10. Finish off the interior of the door by nailing 1x6s to the sides and top.
11. Put a frame up on the outside as well, using materials to match your house.
![hdswt108_3j_stringers frame 1](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2006/11/21/0/hdswt108_3j_stringers.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.581.436.85.suffix/1400939107930.jpeg)
12. If necessary, build steps to lead up to the door. Measure the step tread in order to figure out the spacing of the pre-cut stringers. Once determined, nail the stringers into the wall for support.
![hdswt108_3k_steptreads frame 1](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2006/11/21/0/hdswt108_3k_steptreads.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.581.436.85.suffix/1400939129283.jpeg)
13. Nail the step tread into place.
14. Sand the entire trim and steps, remove dust. Paint or stain as desired.