How to Install Pre-Hung Interior Doors
A pre-hung door is a unit containing a door already attached to the frame. The hinges are already installed, and often the balance of the hardware comes preinstalled as well. This type of unit is perfect for the novice installer, as it minimizes the chance of error and makes it more likely that the door will operate correctly. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Hammer
- Pencil
- Level
- Saw
- Nails
- Screws
- Wooden shims
- Trim or casing
Instructions
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Measure the width of the opening. You'll need both the height, measured from the floor to the top of opening, and the width, measured from the face of the two framing studs on either side. If you are replacing a door, choosing one that's the same size will make the job much easier and error-proof. While you're measuring, take a look at the thickness of your walls. This will help you choose the right size unit.
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You'll want a unit that's about 1/4 inch smaller along each side than the existing opening. Buy a door that has a frame the same thickness as your walls.
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If replacing a door, start by prying trim pieces away from both sides of the old door with a hammer. Remove the nails or screws along each jamb, then slide the unit out of the opening.
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4
Create a new opening, if necessary. Mark the location of the new door using a pencil and straight edge. Cut the existing drywall away from the opening. Remove any framing members as necessary and use them to create an appropriately sized opening. This will generally involve moving 2-by-4 or 2-by-6 beams to either side of the proposed door location. Remember that the opening should be about 1/4 inch larger than the door on all three sides (not at the bottom).
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Leave the clips that hold the door closed in place for now. Decide which way you want your door to swing. Consider what direction of swing will keep the door out of the way and minimize the disruption of the space. Keep this swing in mind as you install the door.
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Slide the unit into the opening, bottom first. Use your level to check that the head of the frame is even. In most homes, floors are not perfectly level. To accommodate this, pre-hung doors usually come with frames that are slightly longer than necessary. If your level is showing the head of the frame is uneven, use a saw to cut one of the legs of the frame until it makes up for any uneven spots on the floor.
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Fasten the door using one or two nails on each jamb. Use your level to check the plumbness of the frame. Fix any spots that are out of level by inserting wooden shims under the frame legs, behind hinges, or between the frame and the 2-by-4 supports on either side.
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Secure the door using long screws at about the same location as the hinges. You'll want to insert screws on both jambs, but not in the head of the frame.
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Install any hardware that you'd like to add that isn't already pre-installed. Use the template that came with the hardware to help you with installation. It will provide the location of the hardware and screw locations.
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Nail trim pieces or casing around the door frame on both sides. This covers the seams where the door meets the drywall, and helps finish off the look of the opening. You may need to patch or paint the drywall if you damaged visible sections.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Wiki Commons
