A slab door is a door panel without a frame, hinges, or hardware. Manufacturers design it to fit into an existing space, often for replacing old or damaged doors.
You can often find slab doors at home improvement stores to replace a damaged interior door or even as an option for your front or back door. They come in various types, styles, and configurations to suit different needs.
This article will explain what a slab door is, when to use one, and what you need for installation. Whether you’re replacing a door or starting a new project, you’ll find all the essential details here.
What Comes with a Slab Door
A slab door includes only the door itself. It does not come with a frame, hinges, or hardware. Some slab doors may have a pre-cut hole for a doorknob, but you will need to buy and install the necessary hardware separately.
Since they do not have a pre-attached frame, slab doors are ideal for replacing doors in existing frames or for custom installations where you can choose the style and hardware. They are available in different materials, such as wood, metal, fiberglass, and composite, and come in various styles and finishes to match different home designs.
Alternatively, if the door includes a pre-assembled frame, it is called a prehung door.
Read More: What Is a Prehung Door?
Types of Slab Doors
Slab doors come in different types based on the materials used to make them. Some common options include:
- Solid Wood. Solid wood doors are made entirely of natural wood, typically from hardwoods like oak, mahogany, cherry, or maple, or softwoods like pine and cedar. They are a classic choice for both indoor and outdoor use.
This type of door blocks noise and insulates against the weather, though newer materials may perform better. These doors have been popular for years, and homeowners often choose them for vintage homes. They are strong and durable and add a timeless look to any space.
- Hollow Core. Hollow core slab doors are a lightweight and budget-friendly option, commonly used for interior spaces like closets. They have a core made of cardboard honeycomb, enclosed between layers of vinyl, plywood, or metal.
While they do not provide much insulation or soundproofing, they are an affordable choice for areas where these factors aren’t a priority. Their lightweight design also makes them easy to install and handle, making them a practical solution for homeowners looking for cost-effective interior doors.
- Solid Core. Solid core slab doors are built for durability and insulation. Made from composite materials like MDF, particleboard, plywood, or glass fibers, they are denser than hollow core doors and offer better temperature and sound insulation.
Some feature a solid wood veneer, giving them the appearance of real wood at a lower cost. Their sturdy construction makes them a great choice for interior doors in spaces where noise reduction and energy efficiency are important.
- Metal Doors. Metal slab doors are strong and durable, making them a great choice for exterior and security doors. They are typically constructed from an aluminum or steel composite, which gives them a heavy, sturdy build.
While they may not have the warmth of wood, their strength and resilience make them ideal for protecting entryways. Their durability also means they can withstand harsh weather conditions, making them a reliable option for long-term use.
- Fiberglass Doors. Fiberglass slab doors are a durable and energy-efficient alternative to wood. They are lightweight yet strong, offering excellent insulation against temperature changes. While they cost more than wood doors, their durability makes them popular for exterior entryways.
Many modern fiberglass doors are designed with realistic wood textures, giving homeowners the look of natural wood without the maintenance. Their resistance to warping, cracking, and moisture damage makes them a long-lasting option for any home.
Slab Door Sizes
Slab doors can also be categorized based on their size. Below are the standard sizes commonly available.
| Slab Door Type | Height | Weight | Thickness |
| Interior | 80 inches | 36 inches | 1 ⅜ “ or 1 ¾ “ |
| Exterior | 80 inches | 38 inches | 1 ¾ “ |
In addition to standard sizes, slab doors are also available in other common dimensions. Interior doors can have widths of 24, 28, 30, 32, or 36 inches.
For exterior doors, additional sizes include 60 inches by 96 inches, 72 inches by 96 inches, and 96 inches by 96 inches, offering more options for larger openings.
Although these are the most common sizes for interior and exterior doors, homeowners have the option to order custom slab doors to fit unique spaces.
Whether for an unusually sized doorway, a specific design preference, or a special functional need, custom doors can be tailored to match any requirement.
When to Use a Slab Door
If you are wondering whether a slab door is the right choice for your home, here are some situations where it works best.
Replace a Door Without Changing the Frame
A slab door is a great choice when replacing a door without changing the frame. If the existing frame is in good condition and the new door matches the old one in size and hinge placement, a slab door can be an affordable and stylish option.
Best for Interior Spaces
Slab doors work well for interior spaces where weatherproofing is not required. They are commonly used for bedrooms, closets, pantries, and bathrooms. Their simple design also makes them a great choice for sliding or barn-style doors.
Great for Renovation Projects
For renovations, slab doors provide flexibility. They allow homeowners to swap out an old door for a new one without removing the frame.
This makes installation easier and opens the door to more unique designs, such as custom-built or vintage doors. However, custom options may increase installation difficulty and costs.
A Budget-Friendly Option
Because slab doors come without pre-installed hardware, they are often a budget-friendly option. Reusing existing hinges and handles can help save even more money. If you want a cost-effective way to refresh a space or create a custom entryway, a slab door is an excellent choice.
Installation Requirements of Slab Doors
Installing a slab door requires proper measurement and preparation, whether for an interior or exterior doorway. Since slab doors come without a frame, hinges, or hardware, they must be carefully sized to fit the existing door frame.
For interior slab door installation, you typically follow a simpler process: placing the hinges and handle before hanging the door. Minor adjustments, such as trimming the edges or sanding, may be needed to ensure a proper fit.
Meanwhile, exterior slab door installation requires additional steps to ensure security and weather resistance. In addition to installing hinges and a handle, weatherstripping and a proper seal are necessary to prevent drafts and moisture issues.
Because exterior doors must withstand the elements, using a durable, weather-resistant material and a secure locking system is essential. Whether installing an interior or exterior slab door, precise measurements and careful alignment are key to a successful installation.
FAQ
No, slab doors, which are just the door panel without additional features, typically do not have pre-cut hinge slots or attached hardware. This requires the homeowner or installer to cut the hinge recesses and install the necessary hardware.
Some slab doors come with a pre-cut hole for the doorknob, making installation easier. However, this is not always the case, so you may need to measure and drill the hole yourself to ensure the doorknob fits properly.
A slab door is only a door panel without a frame, hinges, or hardware, so you need to install everything separately. A prehung door comes already mounted in a frame with hinges, making installation easier. Understanding the difference between slab and prehung doors helps you choose the best option for your project.
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