How Do I Make a Temporary Exterior Door?

Attach the hinges to the door framing on the left side (facing the door from the exterior) with a cordless drill. Use 3-inch screws in each hole from maximum support.

Measure the height and width of the door opening. Transfer these measurements to a 4-by-8 foot sheet of OSB and cut the OSB with a circular saw.

Cut two 2-by-4s the same height as the OSB sheet you cut in step 2 and screw them along each edge. Cut three more 2-by-4s that will go on the top, bottom and middle of the temporary door. Attach all the 2-by-4s with 1 1/4-inch screws. This is your temporary door.

Attach the temporary door to the hinges by screwing the sides of the hinges to the 2-by-4s of the temporary door with 3-inch screws. Test the door to make sure that it opens and closes. Trim or remount the door if necessary.

Cut a board 2-by-4 1/2 inches long. Lay it down and drill a 3/8-inch hole through one side. Go to your temporary door and measure back 10 inches. Drill a 3/8-inch hole through the mid-brace of the door at this point. Attach the 12-inch long 2-by-4 piece to the door with the 4 inch bolt and put a nut on the end. Hand-tighten the nut. The piece should be able to freely move back and forth.

Cut two 2-by-4 pieces about 3 inches and one 2-by-4 piece 12 inches. Attach the 3-inch pieces so that the bottom one allows the 12-inch piece attached to the temporary door to sit on it level and the other is about 10 inches higher up the side of the door frame. Use 3-inch screws to attach the pieces. Attach the 12-inch 2-by-4 to the 3-inch pieces. This creates a lever catch.

Drill a 3/8-inch hole through the middle of the 12-inch piece attached with the bolt that forms a lever. Drill a 1-inch hole about 12 inches above it through the OSB of the door. Push a rope through the hole in the OSB and push it through the hole in the lever. Tie a large knot on the end to keep the rope from pulling through when the rope is pulled. This will open the door from the inside.