How to Change a Door & Frame

Exchanging an interior door and frame is easier and faster if you install a pre-hung door. A pre-hung door assembly includes the door, frame, hinges and trim with some packages. The parts are pre-assembled and the door slab has the necessary holes for the door knob. Because there are no holes to drill or hinges to recess, this method saves valuable time over building and installing the door frame and door separately.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pre-hung door kit
• Utility knife
• Flat head screwdriver
• Pry bar
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Drill
• Phillips screw tip
• 2 1/2-inch wood screws
• Wood shims
• Carpenter's level

1. Remove the trim from the existing door. Use the utility knife to score the caulking between the trim and the wall. Carefully inset the flat head screwdriver into the caulk. Pry the screwdriver away from the wall. Insert the pry bar into the space created by the screwdriver. Slowly work the pry bar around the door trim to evenly break the caulked seam. Perform the same process to remove the trim from each side of the door.

2. Remove the door from the frame by removing the pins from each hinge. Wedge the flat head screwdriver between the hinge loop and the head of the pin of the lowest hinge. Hit the screwdriver with the hammer to raise the pin. Remove the hinge pin. Continue to remove the hinge pins, working from the bottom to the top of the door.

3. Locate the fasteners holding the door in place. Insert the screwdriver into the space between the door and wall framing at each location that contains shims. Hit the door frame with the hammer to break out the wood putty used to cover the heads of the fasteners. Remove the fasteners starting from the bottom and work your way to the top of the door. Dispose of the door and the door frame.

4. Remove the pre-hung door from the frame. Use the same method listed in Step 2 to remove the pins from the hinges. Measure the rough opening with the tape measure to ensure a proper fit.

5. Determine if the hinge side king stud is level vertically, also referred to as plumb. Make marks, if needed, with the pencil on any areas. Center the hinge side of the door frame in the rough opening. Raise the hinge side of the door frame 1/8th of an inch off the floor. Secure the hinge side of the frame to the rough opening with the drill and 2 1/2-inch wood screws. Use two shims if the king stud is not plumb.

6. Stand in the frame facing the side where you are going to install the shims, to ensure proper placement. Place one shim on each side of the frame with the narrow ends facing each other. Slide the shims between the frame and the rough opening framing until they are snug.

7. Level the top of the frame with the carpenter's level. You do not need to secure the top rail. Plumb the catch side of the frame. Place a 2 1/2-inch wood screw near the top of the catch side, using shims as needed. Use the carpenter's level to ensure that the vertical sides of the door frame are plumb and the top rail is still level. Finish securing the door frame with the 2 1/2-inch screws.

8. Operate the door to ensure proper operation.

9. Install the trim around the door. Prep the trim and caulk the trim to the wall.

10. Prime and paint the door and trim.

Tips & Warnings

• Nails may be substituted for the 2 1/2-inch screws. If you use nails, exchange one screw from each hinge with a long screw to reduce door sag.
• Always wear safety glasses when performing construction-related work to protect your eyes from debris.

References

• Prehung Door Installation