You want to install a new interior door, but don’t know where to begin. You want to know how hard this project will be, or if you should tackle it at all. The good news is this is a job for anyone who has the right tools and a will to learn. Keep reading for a complete set of instructions on installing a door in your home.
Measuring For The Door Size
There are a few things to look for when determining what the right replacement door is for you. We will cover how to properly measure what size door you need to purchase. But first let’s talk a bit about a door’s handing.
Prehung vs Slab Door
There are two options of what type of door you want to choose. You can either install a prehung door, or a slab.
A prehung door is a door that is connected to a frame, also known as the jamb. The benefit of this is the jamb and hinges were attached at the factory, and you know the door will open and close well when installed.
A slab is the door with no hinges or anything else attached. You would choose this option if your jamb is in good condition and you want to save it. A slab door is more affordable than a prehung. It takes more work to install, and requires other tools.
Prehung Door Installation Cost
If you go the route of hiring a professional door installer, you can expect to pay between $200-$600 USD. This rate should include the labor and door cost.
The rate may change based on the amount of work your installation requires. Slab door installation requires more work than prehung door installation. Prices may vary based on your location.
Two Methods Of Installing A Prehung Interior Door
Let’s talk about the two ways of installing an interior door. They vary on the types of fasteners you will use. You can install your door with either finishing nails, or screws. This article will talk about both of these methods, and the accompanying video shows you exactly how to complete either method.
Safety and Required Materials
Why Would I Use Nails Vs Screws To Install A Door?
These are two methods that will successfully install the door. There are reasons to pick one over the other because they both have their pros and cons. The reasons why you might choose one over the other are very different.
Choosing Nails To Install A Door
Pro Tip: Mix sawdust from the dust collecter in your power sander with some wood glue to quickly make some wood filler. This is a great method if you don’t have any on hand, and are in need of a solution.
Using nails to install a door is typically because it has a wood jamb that will not be painted. You want to salvage the wood look, and don’t want to have an obvious screw head that looks ugly.
A finish nail is the right choice in this circumstance because it is easy to hide the head. To do this you will first hammer the nail down to where it’s close to the jamb, but not flush with it. Be careful while hammering because you don’t want to miss the head of the nail, and damage the wood. Take careful, and accurate strokes while hammering.
Once you have the nail about one to two head widths above the jamb, you can use the nail set to set the head below the surface of the wood. Hold the end of the nail set firmly in the cup on the head of the nail. With your other hand you can pull back on the other end, extending the spring out.
While being careful not to remove the end of the set from the head of the nail, quickly let go of the other end, allowing it to tap the head of the nail down. You may need to do this several times until the head of the nail is below the surface of the jamb.
It’s okay if you miss and puncture a hole in the jamb. These holes can be filled with wood filler in the next step after all the nails are set in place.
You want to choose finishing nails that are at least 2 inches long. This can vary, but you want them to be around that length to be sure they reach through the gap between the door jambs and the wall studs. The head of the finishing nails can be sunken into the jamb and covered with wood filler.
You can use nails for any style door, where the screws are for a more specific application. Nails are easy to hammer in, but might be a little more tricky when you are trying to make the door plumb and level. That means when you are installing the door you need to adjust the jamb both vertically and horizontally until it’s level.
Choosing Screws To Install A Door
NOTE: Screw should be the “flat head” style screws. They do not need to be Phillips, as there are other options available. Square drive screws are easiest to screw in, and are less likely to slip out of the bit. Make sure you have the correct style and size drill bit for the screw you are using.
Using screws, in my opinion, is the better option. It is much easier to tighten them the right amount, while also adjusting the shims as needed. Set the clutch on the drill to the right setting so it will stop tightening the screw once it’s reached the perfect depth.
One difference with using screws is yo will want to drill a pilot hole in the jamb before hand. It’s important to also countersink the pilot hole so the screw head falls below the surface of the jamb. This will allow you to use wood filler on top of the screw head, hiding it completely once painted.
Use three screws per side, and possibly on the top if necessary.
Choose wood screws that are at least 2 inches long. Anywhere between 2 and 3 inches is a good size. The screw shape should be “flat head phillips” style screw (see above). This will make it easier to hide the head in the end.
The main negative you face when choosing screws is they can be more noticeable if you will be staining the jamb.
How To Install A Prehung Interior Door
Now it’s time to get started with installing a new prehung door. You will first need to make sure the opening it’s going in is ready. That includes removing the casing around the door, and the old door as well.
There are more than one way to remove the old door, but I’ll always say that the best tool to use is a Sawzall. Begin with using a hammer and prybar to take the casing off from both sides of the door.
Once the opening is ready it’s time to put the door in place. Get it close to equal distance from the left jamb and the right jamb.
This stage works best if you have a helper that can hold the door in place while you install it. But it’s possible to do it yourself.
You can take the door off the jamb by popping the hinge pins out. I prefer to keep the door in because it’s easier for me to make sure it’s plumb and level when installed.
Drill three pilot holes on each side of the jamb, one at the top, one in the middle, and one on the bottom.
Get a screw started in the pilot hole at the top. Hold a level up against the side of the jamb.
Slide one shim in from each side so they overlap. Push them together until they touch the jamb and the stud.
With the jamb flat on the ground you can drive the screw in until it is tight.
Work your way down the jamb by following the above steps with the shim and screw. Check that the jamb is plumb as you install each screw.
Make sure the jamb is lined up with the stud as vest you can. You don’t want too much of a gap between the casing and the jamb.
Once that jamb is completely attached, follow the same steps on the other side. You may need to close and open the door several times along the way. This will show you where the door is hitting so the appropriate adjustments can be made.
When the door is closed there should be equal spacing between the jamb and the slab on all sides. It should also latch smoothly. If any of these things are not right you want to inspect where it is an issue and make the correct adjustments.
How To Install An Interior Door In Existing Frame
If you are installing a new slab door in an existing door frame, you will want the slab to be completely blank. That means the slab does not have a hole where the knob will go, and the hinge locations are not chiseled out yet. It is not ideal if these are on the door, but it’s still possible to use the slab if they are.
Start with finding the size and location of the hinges. If you have the old slab you can clamp the two of them together to mark the hinge locations.
Its also possible to find the measurements without using the old slab.
Start with the top one, working your way down. Measure from the top corner of the jamb to the top of the hinge.
When transferring the measurement to the slab you want to subtract ⅛ of an inch. This will allow for the gap around the door that allows it to open and close smoothly.
Take measurements for the top and bottom of all hinges. Transfer these measurements to the spine of the slab. Don’t forget to subtract the above amount for each of these measurements.
Measure and mark the depth of the hinges as well. Once you have the hinge locations you can use a hammer and chisel to cut out these locations. Take your time, and use the hinge plate to check your depth and size.
Put the hinges on the door slab and hang it on the jamb, starting with the top one and work your way down. Check if it opens and closes smoothly and without getting stuck anywhere. If it gets stuck, note where the location is, and make adjustments. Most likely it’s going to be the screws (or nails) that are attaching it to the studs that need to be adjusted.
If the door opens and closes smoothly then the door is installed. You are now ready to move on to installing the moulding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install an interior door by myself?
It is possible to install an interior door by yourself. You will want to have all the needed tools on hand, and the knowledge of how to do so. If you follow the above steps you will be able to install your interior door without the help of an expert.
Is it easy to install an interior door?
Installing an interior door is a medium level job. It requires some knowledge of how to use tools. It is easier if you have a helper to lend a hand, but it is possible to do it alone.
How long does it take to hang a door?
The amount of time installing an interior door depends on your level of expertise. Generally it would take about 1-3 hours. But if you are a novice you can expect to take a little more time.
What Size Door Should I Get?
When finding the right size door for you to use, you need to decide if you will be installing a prehung door or a slab.
A prehung door measurement includes the jamb. The measurement you are looking for is called the “rough opening” measurement. This includes both the width and height of the opening the door will be fitting into. You may need to remove the moulding that is surrounding your current door to get this measurement.
What Is The Handing Of My Door?
Interior doors come with two “handing” option. This is another way of saying the direction it swings. I’ll tell you the most common way to refer to a door’s handing. Keep in mind this may be different depending on the company you purchase the door from.
When standing “outside” and are about to enter the room, what side of the door are the hinges located on? This means the door will be swinging away from you when you open it.
If you grab the doorknob on the right side of the door and it swings to the left, this is called a left hand swing door.
If you grab the knob on the left side and it swings to the right, this is a right hand swing door.
Conclusion
Now you know the exact process of how to install a door. The reality is it isn’t hard, but there are a number of circumstances that can make it more difficult. Pay attention to where the door might be htting somewhere. That is how you will fix the problem the door is having.
If you liked this article, please take a look at the other articles on this site. Here at Remodel Upgrade I am dedicated to helping you turn your home into your own private sanctuary.
You Got This,
Kevin
Kevin
I grew up in a family where my dad and several uncles were general contractors. They took me to the jobsites, and also taught me so much about home maintenance. I remember spending several summers in high school helping my father build houses. It gave me so much knowledge that I am excited to share!
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