The way you hang a door depends on the type of door and how you install it. A pre-hung door includes a frame and hinges, making installation easier. A slab door requires precise hinge placement in an existing frame. To hang a door, start by measuring the rough opening, then position the door frame, secure the hinges, check the alignment, and attach the door.
If you’re replacing an old door, you may need to install a new slab or remove the entire frame for a pre-hung replacement. This guide will walk you through the steps to hang a door correctly, no matter the type or installation, and it includes tips for choosing the right door for a room.
| Project difficulty: Intermediate Estimated time to complete: 2 to 4 hours per door Project cost: $172 to $258 per door |
I also asked Nicholas DiLeo, the owner of DiLeo’s Carpentry, whether hanging a door is a DIY-friendly project, and he confirmed that it is. He stated, “Yes, it is DIY-friendly. The main thing is ensuring a consistent reveal around the perimeter of the door slab—this is key to a properly closing door.”
He also provided several tips and tricks to help ensure proper alignment, prevent common issues, and improve accuracy for a successful installation.
Supplies Needed
Materials:
- Pre-hung door or slab door
- Hinges
- Screws
- Shims
- Wood Filler
- Caulk
Tools:
- Measuring Tape
- Level
- Pencil
- Straight Edge or Framing Square
- Chisel
- Hammer
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Utility Knife
Tips for Selecting the Right Door
Choosing the right door depends on your installation scenario and specific needs. Here are some factors to consider:
Existing Frame or New Installation
The condition of your door frame plays a key role in choosing the right door. If your existing frame is in good shape, a slab door is a budget-friendly option that allows you to reuse the frame but requires careful hinge and latch alignment.
However, if you damage, update, or remove the frame, a pre-hung door is the better choice. It comes with a new frame and hinges already attached, ensuring proper alignment and a more straightforward installation process. Pre-hung doors work well for new construction, complete remodeling, or when you replace an old frame that no longer functions properly.
Pre-Hung vs. Slab
Choosing between pre-hung and slab doors depends on your project needs. A pre-hung door comes with a frame, hinges, and often a pre-cut hole for the handle, making it ideal for new construction or full door replacements where you remove the old frame. It ensures a precise fit and easier installation but is heavier and requires more space to maneuver.
On the other hand, a slab door is just the door itself, making it a great option for upgrading an existing frame. It requires precise hinge placement and alignment, but often costs less and offers more flexibility in matching the existing style.
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Interior vs. Exterior Door
The function and design of a door depend on whether you use it for indoor or outdoor purposes.
Interior doors are primarily used for privacy and aesthetics. Manufacturers often make them from lightweight materials like hollow-core wood or MDF. They don’t need to withstand harsh weather conditions and usually lack insulation.
Exterior doors, however, serve as the main barrier between your home and the outside, requiring durability, security, and weather resistance. Manufacturers typically make them from solid wood, steel, or fiberglass, and they often include weatherstripping, insulation, and reinforced locks to protect against the elements and potential intruders.
When selecting a door, consider the insulation, security, and durability level needed for its intended location.
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Steps to Hang the Door
Step 1: Measure the Opening
Use a measuring tape to check the door opening’s width, height, and depth. If replacing an existing door, compare these measurements with the new one to ensure a proper fit. A level will help determine if the floor and frame are even, which is especially important for pre-hung doors.
- For pre-hung doors, measure the rough opening, ensuring it is slightly larger than the door frame to allow room for adjustments.
- For slab doors, measure the existing frame and use a pencil to mark hinge placements and the borehole location for the handle. A straight edge or framing square will help ensure accurate, straight markings.
Double-check your measurements and write them down to avoid errors before proceeding with the installation process.
| Pro Tip: “Use a laser level instead of a traditional bubble level for better accuracy.” – Nicholas DiLeo |
Step 2: Prepare the Door and the Frame
Remove any packaging, including transport braces or temporary fasteners for a pre-hung door. Place the door upright and use a level to check if the frame is square. If it is slightly off, adjust it before installation to prevent alignment issues.
For a slab door, hold it against the existing frame and use a pencil to mark where the hinges will go. If the door does not have pre-cut hinge mortises, use a chisel and hammer to carve shallow recesses for a flush fit. Then, drill pilot holes for the hinge screws to prevent splitting the wood. Double-check all markings and measurements before moving forward.
Step 3: Position the Door
For a pre-hung door, place the frame into the rough opening and use shims to adjust it until it is level and plumb. Check with a level and add shims as needed to keep the frame straight and stable.
For a slab door, hold it against the existing frame and align it with the hinges. If you’re reusing old hinges, mark the screw hole locations. If installing new hinges, mark their placement on both the door and frame. Use a chisel to create shallow recesses if needed, then check for gaps and make small adjustments before securing the hinges.
| Pro Tip: “Support the door properly: Finish nail scrap pieces of wood close to the top and bottom across the opening—this allows you to lean the door against them, keeping it on the same plane as the drywall.” – Nicholas DiLeo |
Step 4: Attach the Hinges
Fasten the hinges to the door using screws, then secure them to the frame. If using existing hinges, align the door with them before tightening the screws. For pre-hung doors, ensure you have secured the hinges and properly positioned them.
Nicholas also shared an important technique for securing the door frame properly while keeping the hardware discreet. He said, “Using finish head screws that are long enough to bite into the rough framing is crucial. Place them above or below each hinge and one behind the strike plate—these are easy to fill and hide afterward.
“Alternatively, you can conceal the screws by installing them behind a door stop or simply replacing one of the hinge screws with a longer one that bites into the rough framing.”
Once attached, test the door by opening and closing it. If it doesn’t swing smoothly, loosen the screws slightly to adjust the hinges. Tighten everything once the door moves freely without sticking or dragging.
Step 5: Check Alignment and Secure the Frame
For pre-hung doors, insert shims around the frame to create an even gap between the door and the jamb. Use a level to ensure the frame is straight and plumb. Open and close the door to check the swing, adjusting the shims as needed to prevent sticking or uneven gaps.
Once properly aligned, secure the frame by driving screws or nails through the shims and into the wall studs. Start at the hinge side to stabilize the frame, then secure the opposite side. Check the alignment before fully tightening everything to ensure the door swings smoothly.
| Pro Tip: “Shim strategically: Place shims above or below hinge locations and the strike plate. Ensure at least two shimming locations at the header.” – Nicholas DiLeo |
Step 6: Install the Door Handle and Latch
Insert the latch assembly into the hole on the door’s edge and secure it with screws. Attach the door handle by aligning both sides of the hardware and tightening the screws. Next, install the strike plate on the door frame, ensuring it lines up with the latch. Secure it with screws and test the handle to ensure the door opens and closes smoothly.
Step 7: Test and Finish the Installation
Open and close the door several times to check for smooth movement. If the door sticks, doesn’t latch properly, or has uneven gaps, adjust the shims or hinges as needed. Ensure the door swings freely and closes securely against the frame.
Once everything is aligned, trim any excess shims with a utility knife for a clean look. Use wood filler to cover screw or nail holes, then apply caulk around the frame to seal any gaps. If needed, paint or stain the door and frame for a finished appearance. Let everything dry before using the door regularly.
| Pro Tip: “Check the door function after every step to ensure everything remains aligned before moving forward.” – Nicholas DiLeo |
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Main Image Credit: Odua Images / Adobe Stock Free / License
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