How to Install a New Interior Door

Interior doors are sometimes made of material that's less sturdy than that used for exterior doors. As a result, they can be damaged more easily and need to be replaced more often. You also might not like the style or quality of your interior doors and want to replace them with a different type. No matter the reason, though, there's a right way to install new doors.

Things You'll Need

• Flathead screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Pencil
• Chisel
• Hammer
• Sandpaper
• Drill
• Screw bit
• Hinges

Instructions

1. Remove pins from door hinges. Place the edge of a flathead screwdriver or chisel at the point where the head of the pin meets the top of the hinge. Using a hammer, tap the screwdriver or chisel a couple of times, popping the pin partway out. Repeat with other hinges.

2. Grab the outside edge of the door with one hand and remove pins with the other. If the pins stick, wiggle the door or pins a bit to get the pins out. Set the door to one side. Half of each hinge will be attached to the door, the other half of each to the door frame.

3. Remove the hinges from the old door with a screwdriver. There's no need to waste perfectly good hardware, so as long as the hinges are functioning properly, reuse them instead of buying new ones.

4. Set the new door next to the old one and mark the hinge locations on the new door.

5. Chisel out the marked areas to the depth of the hinges so the hinges will sit flush with the door. Use a chisel and light taps with a hammer to remove the wood, then sand smooth so there's nothing in the way of the hinge sitting flat.

6. Attach the hinges to the new door with a drill and screw bit.

7. Slip the door into the half of the hinges that are still attached to the door frame. Slide the pins in place to secure the door. Swing the door closed to check that it doesn't scrape the frame. If it does, use sand paper to sand down the area until it doesn't rub. If the door drags against the floor anywhere, you'll need to remove the door to sand the bottom of it.

8. Remove the door knob and locking hardware from the old door using a screwdriver. Attach them to the new door. There should already be holes carved in the new door for the knob and latch. Use the screwdriver to tighten the knob in place.

References

• Ask the Builder: Pre Hung Interior Doors