How to Hang a Bathroom Door

A new door finishes off a bathroom.

If you are thinking about decorating your bathroom, you may want to look at changing the bathroom door. An old door can be spruced up with a fresh coat of paint, but if it has dents or scuffs it can spoil the visual effect. You may just want to change a plain door for one that is more stylish. Hanging a new door in the bathroom can be a difficult task, but with preparation and care you can do it without calling a professional.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Pry bar
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Spirit level
• Saw
• 2-inch by 4-inch timber, 3 feet long
• Shims
• Size 4 finishing nails
• Size 6 nails
• Hammer
• Razor knife

Instructions

1. Unscrew the existing door hinges and remove the old door. Pull off the door trim with a pry bar, and remove the door jamb with a pry bar as well.

2. Cut a length of timber to the same width as the door opening. Place the length of timber on the floor across the opening.

3. Check that the door opening is flat using a spirit level placed on top of the cut timber. If it is not level, raise the timber at one end until the spirit level bubble is centered. Hold the timber in place and mark the gap between the floor and the bottom of the timber on the door opening with the pencil.

4. Measure the distance from the floor to the pencil mark. Measure the same distance on the bottom edge of the new door jamb on the opposite side and mark with the pencil. Trim off the door jamb with a saw at the pencil mark.

5. Push the door jamb into the opening, and open the door. Place some shims under the door to keep the assembly stable.

6. Slide shims between the door jamb and each wall to center it. Place the shims opposite each other 5 inches from the top and bottom of the frame.

7. Check the frame is straight using a spirit level placed against the door jamb. You may have to maneuver, add or remove shims to get the frame level.

8. Nail the frame to the wall using size 6 nails and starting at the top of each door jamb. Space the nails evenly 1-foot apart down each side of the frame, and ensure the frame is still straight with the spirit level.

9. Trim away the shims with a razor knife. The rough shim edges will be covered by the frame trim. Attach the trim around the frame using size 4 finishing nails.

References

• The Family Handyman: How to Hang a Door
• Ask the Builder: Door Hanging Instructions with Photos