When replacing an interior or entry door, you must first decide whether to get a prehung or slab door. A prehung door includes a frame and hinges, while a slab door requires you to install the hinges and frame separately. Knowing the difference will help you choose the best option for your project.
Whether you are replacing an existing door or installing a new one, knowing how they compare in terms of installation, cost, and convenience will help you make the best decision. Let me break down the key differences between slab and prehung doors.
What are Prehung and Slab Doors
Prehung and slab doors offer two distinct options for door installation, with each type fitting different projects. A prehung door includes a frame for easier setup, while a slab door requires fitting into an existing frame. To get expert insight, I asked Randy Jones, the owner of Fine Remodeling, for his thoughts.
He said, “A prehung door is a “slab door” already installed on the hinges and to the jamb; hence, it is “pre-hung”. That makes a “pre-hung” door a better choice when a jamb is needed. Mostly in new construction situations versus when the existing jamb is left in place, but a new door (or “slab) is required.”
Prehung Doors
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Easy to Install | ✘ Heavy and Bulky |
| ✔ Ideal for New Construction | ✘ More Expensive |
| ✔ Great for Exterior Doors | ✘ Takes Up More Space |
| ✔ Ensures a Perfect Fit | ✘ Limited Design Options |
A prehung door comes with a door slab, hinges, and a three-sided frame. Since the door is already attached to the frame, it ensures a proper fit and alignment, making the installation easier.
A prehung door simplifies the process, making it one of its biggest advantages. You do not have to install hinges separately or cut space for the strike plate. However, you need to ensure the door swings in the right direction and position the frame so it stays level during installation.
While prehung doors include the main components, you may need to purchase some parts separately, such as the door handle, lockset, and casing.
Many also require painting or staining after installation. Because they can be heavy and fragile, before you secure them, you must handle them carefully. Prehung doors work best for new construction or when replacing a damaged door frame.
Related: What Is a Prehung Door?
Slab Doors
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ More Size and Design Options | ✘ Requires More Installation Work |
| ✔ Ideal for Renovations | ✘ Hinges and Hardware Must Be Installed Separately |
| ✔ More Affordable | ✘ Needs an Existing Frame |
| ✔ Easier to Transport | ✘ Can Be Harder to Align Properly |
A slab door is a standalone door without a frame, hinges, or hardware. Manufacturers design it to fit into an existing door frame or a new frame that you build. Because it comes without extra parts, a slab door usually costs less than a prehung door.
Slab doors offer more flexibility since you can choose where to place the hinges and doorknob. Some come with a pre-cut hole for the knob, while others do not. Installing a slab door takes more effort because you need to align it properly and attach the hinges yourself.
This door type works well if you want to replace a door but keep the existing frame. This door type works well for renovation projects where you want to keep the original trim. While installation can be more challenging, a slab door gives you more control over the final look.
Related: What Is a Slab Door?
Key Differences Between Prehung and Slab Doors
You should understand the differences between prehung and slab doors to choose the right option for your home. Each type has its own benefits and installation requirements, making one more suitable than the other depending on your project.
Installation
Prehung doors simplify installation because they include a frame, hinges, and holes predrilled for the doorknob. However, you must remove the existing door frame and casing before installing them.
Since prehung doors are heavy, you must handle them carefully and have two people for installation. You also need to use shims to level and plumb the frame.
Slab doors do not require removing the frame and casing, but they need more precise work. You must cut hinge mortises, drill holes for the doorknob if they aren’t pre-cut, and possibly trim the door to fit. Though installing a slab door takes more effort, its lighter weight makes handling easier.
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Type of Project
The type of project plays a major role in deciding between a slab and a pre-hung door. If your home already has a solid door frame, a slab door works well because you can install it without replacing the existing structure. This makes it ideal for renovations or quick door replacements.
On the other hand, if you are working on a new build or dealing with a damaged or outdated frame, you should choose a pre-hung door. Since it comes with its own frame, it eliminates the hassle of building or repairing one, making installation much easier.
Cost
Slab doors are the more budget-friendly option because they include only the door itself, without a frame, hinges, or pre-installed hardware.
If you already have a functional door frame, a slab door allows you to save money by reusing the existing frame and hardware. This makes it an ideal choice for cost-conscious buyers.
Prehung doors, while more convenient, cost more due to the added materials and labor involved in manufacturing.
They come with a pre-installed frame, hinges, and sometimes pre-drilled holes for hardware, which adds to the overall price. The cost difference can also depend on factors like the door material and design.
Aesthetics
A pre-hung door generally offers a more seamless and polished look compared to a slab door. Since it comes with a brand-new frame, the door and frame match perfectly in material and color, creating a cohesive appearance.
In contrast, a slab door relies on the existing frame, which may show signs of wear or damage, potentially affecting the overall aesthetic. While both options provide a fresh update, a pre-hung door ensures a uniform and pristine finish without the risk of an aging frame diminishing the final look.
Customization Option
When it comes to flexibility in size, a slab door has the advantage over a pre-hung door. Older homes or those with non-standard door openings often require custom sizing, and slab doors offer more options to fit these unique spaces.
Unlike pre-hung doors, which typically come in standard dimensions, manufacturers can fully customize slab doors to match specific measurements, making them the better choice for homes with irregular or custom door frames.
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How to Choose Between Prehung and Slab Doors
Choosing between a prehung door and a slab door depends on your project’s needs, budget, and the condition of your existing door frame.
When to Choose Prehung Doors
A prehung door comes with a frame, hinges, and pre-cut hardware openings, making it a convenient option for new construction or when replacing a damaged or uneven frame.
The door also works well if you are updating door casing, installing multiple doors, or replacing an exterior door, since manufacturers have designed it with built-in weatherproofing.
While they simplify installation, they are heavier, more expensive, and require more space during handling and transport.
When to Choose Slab Doors
A slab door, on the other hand, consists of just the door itself, so it works well if your current door frame is in good condition. This option works well when replacing a single door, especially if you have an existing one to use as a template for hinge and hardware placement.
However, one of the biggest challenges homeowners face when choosing between a slab door and a prehung door is determining whether the door frame needs to be replaced.
Randy Jones explains, “What makes it difficult for a homeowner to choose between them is knowing whether or not the jamb needs to be replaced or installed. My advice is for the homeowner to ask their favorite local carpenter to talk to them about the options.”
Slab doors also offer more flexibility for unusual door sizes, custom designs, or repurposed antique doors. They are generally more affordable than pre-hung doors but require more work to install, including routing hinge recesses, aligning the door, and attaching hardware.
Make the Right Choice
If you need a complete door-and-frame solution, a prehung door simplifies the installation process. However, a slab door offers the best fit if you want a cost-effective, customizable option and already have a functional frame.
Randy also notes that neither door lasts longer nor needs less maintenance than the other, so durability should not be a deciding factor. Your decision should ultimately depend on your project’s scope, your skill level, and your budget.
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Main Photo Credit: Prehung Doors: DigitalSpace / Adobe Stock, Generated with AI, Slab Door: Francesco Milanese / Adobe Stock Free / License
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