At CS Remodeling, we recently took on a metal door replacement project that reminded us just how much detail and patience these jobs really take.

🔩 The First Step: Measuring Everything — Twice!

Every door replacement starts with measuring, but metal doors are different.

You can’t just measure the width and height; you need to check the hinge placement, hinge spacing, lockset holes, deadbolt alignment, and frame depth.

Even with perfect measurements, there’s no guarantee the new door will slide right in. Why? Because most of the time, you’re reusing the existing metal frame — and those frames are rarely level or perfectly square.

After more than a decade in this trade, I’ve seen too many contractors who rush jobs and don’t bother to level the frame or check for alignment. That’s one of the main reasons I started my own business — to do things right and care about the details others ignore.

⚙️ Making It Fit: The Art of Adjustments

Once the new door arrived, it was time to get to work.

We discovered that the frame was slightly off-level, meaning we had to trim the bottom of the door just a little bit to make it fit properly. This might sound simple, but cutting a metal door is no easy task — you have to do it precisely to avoid warping or damaging the finish.

Next, we used our professional hinge tools to adjust the hinges so the door could swing smoothly and close tight without dragging. These adjustments take time and skill — you can’t rush it or you’ll end up with a door that sticks or won’t latch properly.

🔐 Reusing Hardware the Right Way

The client wanted to reuse the existing commercial door knob and deadbolt, which is a smart way to save money — but it’s also a challenge.

It took over an hour and a half just to safely remove, clean, and reinstall the old hardware. The deadbolt went in smoothly, but the door knob required careful alignment. Getting the holes to line up just right so everything functions perfectly takes patience and attention to detail.

This is one of those steps that separates experienced craftsmen from quick-fix installers. We don’t just make it “good enough” — we make it right.

🧰 Behind the Scenes: Ordering, Waiting, and Verifying

The process of replacing a commercial metal door doesn’t start on installation day — it starts weeks before.

After taking all the measurements, we worked with our supplier to find the correct model that matched the hinge and lock placement. I’ll admit, I had that little voice in my head saying, “Hey boss, you better go double-check those dimensions!” So I did — and everything was right. 😎

But that extra step paid off, because when the door finally arrived (four weeks later), everything matched up perfectly.

And that’s the lesson here: measure twice, install once.

🕓 Time Investment: More Than You’d Expect

From the first measurement to the final test swing, the entire project took about 11 hours of work.

That includes measuring, ordering, pickup, trimming, adjusting, installing hardware, staining, and final cleanup. It’s easy for people to assume a door replacement is a quick 2-hour job — but quality work takes time.

We also applied a professional-grade stain and seal finish to protect the new door from weather and corrosion. It’s a small touch, but one that extends the life of the door and makes it look great for years to come.

💬 The Reality of Quality Work

Jobs like this remind me why I love what I do — and also why I get frustrated with the “rush job” mentality that’s too common in this industry.

Too many installers cut corners, figuring “no one will ever have to replace this door.” But we know better. Everything wears out eventually, and if it wasn’t installed properly, it’s going to be a headache later.

That’s where CS Remodeling stands apart.

We take the time to make sure everything is done right — from measurements and adjustments to stain and finish — because we care about the long-term results.

🔍 Metal Door Replacement in Tulsa, OK

If you need a metal door replacement in Tulsa or nearby areas, trust CS Remodeling to handle it the right way.

We specialize in commercial and residential steel door installation, adjustments, and repairs. Our team makes sure your door fits, functions, and lasts — no shortcuts, no excuses.

✅ Commercial & Residential Metal Doors

✅ Frame and Hinge Adjustments

✅ Hardware Installation and Reuse

✅ Custom Stain and Seal Finishes

✅ Reliable Service Throughout Tulsa County

📞 Call CS Remodeling at (918) 860-3338 or visit www.csremodelingok.com  to schedule your estimate today.