A prehung door is a door that comes already attached to a three-sided frame with hinges. Manufacturers design it as a complete unit for quick and easy installation, which makes it a convenient choice for homeowners and builders.
Using prehung doors eliminates the need to build a separate frame. They come with pre-cut mortises, a hole for the doorknob, and various size options to fit different doorways.
This article will explain everything you need to know about prehung doors, including what they come with, the different types you can choose from, when to use one, and what you’ll need for installation.
What Comes with a Prehung Door
A prehung door comes as a complete unit and includes all the parts you need to install it. It comes with a door slab, a three-sided frame (door jambs and header), and hinges already attached. This makes it easier to install compared to a traditional slab door, which requires a separate frame.
Read more: What Is a Slab Door?
Additional Features
Most prehung doors also feature pre-cut mortises for the hinges and a pre-cut hole for the doorknob. The doorframe itself usually has pre-cut holes for the strike plate, allowing for a more straightforward installation.
Some models may even include locks, latches, and other hardware, making them fully functional right out of the box.
While prehung doors simplify the installation process, not all of them come with casing, which is the trim that covers the gap between the door frame and the wall. If your prehung door does not include casing, you will need to purchase and install it separately.
Choosing the right prehung door also means considering its swing direction and ensuring it fits properly within your doorway.
Types of Prehung Doors
Prehung doors come in different sizes and materials to suit various needs. Whether you are replacing an old door or installing a new one, choosing the right type is essential for a perfect fit and long-lasting durability.
According to Materials
Prehung doors are available in wood, wood composite, metal, and fiberglass. Wood doors offer a classic look but require maintenance to prevent warping. Wood composite provides a budget-friendly alternative with added durability.
Metal doors are strong and secure, making them a great choice for exterior use, while fiberglass doors are low-maintenance, resistant to moisture, and can mimic the appearance of wood.
According to Size
Prehung doors also come in a wide range of sizes to fit standard door openings. Prehung interior doors typically come in standard widths of 24, 28, 30, 32, and 36 inches, with heights of 80, 84, or 96 inches.
Manufacturers commonly offer exterior prehung doors in 30, 32, and 36-inch widths. Most are 80 inches tall, but 96-inch options are also available for taller entryways.
How to Know if You Need a Prehung Door
A prehung door is a great option in many situations, especially if you need a complete door and frame unit ready for installation. If you are unsure whether a prehung door is the right choice, consider the following factors:
New Construction Projects or Renovations
Builders often choose prehung doors for new construction projects because they simplify and speed up installation. They also work well for large-scale renovations, especially when replacing multiple doors in a home.
If you are remodeling and working with a rough door opening, a prehung door simplifies the process by providing a new frame that ensures a proper fit.
Replace a Damaged Door Frame or Exterior Door
If the existing door frame is damaged, warped, or not square, installing a slab door can be difficult. A prehung door eliminates this issue because it comes with a perfectly aligned frame.
Additionally, if you’re replacing an exterior door, a prehung option often works best because manufacturers assemble it with weatherproofing features to block drafts and moisture.
Home Interior Remodel
Homeowners looking to update their interior style may also choose a prehung door when replacing door casing or molding. This ensures a fresh, cohesive look throughout the home.
If you are new to door installation, prehung doors are also the easiest to work with. All you have to do is select the correct size, purchase a prehung door package, and install the entire unit without worrying about frame alignment or hinge placement.
Install Another Door Type
Finally, if you are replacing a different type of door, such as a slab, the screw locations in your old frame may not match a new slab door.
This can make installation tricky and may cause damage to the frame. A prehung door provides a hassle-free solution by including a new frame with pre-set hinges and a secure fit.
Installation Requirements for Prehung Doors
Installing a prehung door requires proper preparation and the right tools to ensure a secure fit. You need to make the rough opening level, plumb, and slightly larger than the door frame to allow for adjustments. Essential tools include a level, shims, a drill, screws, and measuring tape.
When installing an interior prehung door, you need to focus on aligning it properly within the frame. Since interior doors don’t need weatherproofing, you can install them more easily by securing the frame with shims and fasteners.
Meanwhile, installing exterior prehung doors has additional requirements, such as proper sealing and weatherproofing. These doors come with a threshold and weatherstripping to prevent drafts and moisture, and you often need to apply caulk around the frame for extra protection.
Understanding these requirements ensures a smooth installation process and helps achieve a durable, properly functioning door.
FAQ
Prehung doors may or may not come with trim. Some come as a one-piece jamb without the trim, while others use a two-piece jamb system that includes both interior and exterior trim already attached to the frame. If the trim is not included, you will need to buy and install it separately.
Yes, you can remove a prehung door from its frame. The door is attached to the frame with hinges, so you can either pop the hinge pins out or unscrew the hinges to separate the door from the frame.
This is often done for painting, replacing the door, or making adjustments. Learn how to take a door off its hinges so you can repaint, replace, or adjust it without having to remove the whole door frame.
A slab door is just the door panel without a frame, hinges, or hardware, so you’ll need to install those separately.
A prehung door, on the other hand, comes with the frame and hinges already attached, making it easier to install. Understanding the difference between prehung and slab doors can help you choose the right type for your project.
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