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When you make the
decision to replace your interior door yourself,
you need to decide whether you want to use a pre-hung or slab door.
At first glance, you may think that the slab door would be your easiest
option. However, if you do not have finish carpentry skills, this may
end up being more difficult. A slab door does not come prepped for hinges
or handle set. For approximately $20 more, you can minimize
the time and level of difficulty of this project drastically.
What size, handing,
and jamb size do I need?
Rough Opening Size:
Measure the finished door and
add 2" to the width an height.
Jamb:
You will also need to measure
the width of the jamb. Measure the wall's finished thickness before
purchasing a door. The standard jamb thickness is 4 9/16”, anything other
than that may need to be special ordered.
Handing:
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Tools Needed
Tape Measure
Hammer
Pry Bar
Level
8d Finish nails
Wood Shims
Goggles
Casing
4d Finish nails
Hand saw w/ miter box
Paint or Stain
Lockset |
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Removal of
Existing Door
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Use a pry bar to remove any
casing that is around all
sides of the door.
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Remove the existing door from
the hinges.
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Next, use a pry bar to pry the
jamb from the opening.
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Remove any nails that may be
remaining.
Installing a
Prehung Door
Door installation can be fast and
easy if the rough opening is properly measured. Leaving the extra spacing
mentioned above will allow you to adjust and plumb your door assembly in
case the opening is not square.
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Remove packing braces and nails
using a claw hammer.
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Place the closed door in the
rough opening and center it. Use a level on the hinge side of the
casing to align it vertically.
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Tap shims into place between the
doorjamb and the rough framing to make the jamb plumb.
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Nail through both the jamb and
the shims into the stud near the top hinge using an 8d finish nail. (It
is necessary to nail through the shim to prevent distortion of the jamb
in the nailed area)
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Do the same for the other
hinges.
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Check the door's alignment with
a level again before continuing around the doorjamb. Install shims and
nail in the same manner. The space between the jamb and door should be
the same for the entire length of the unit.
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Trim any shims that protrude
from between the jambs and framing to allow the door trim to be
installed. (Use a utility knife to score, then break)
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Install the door casings and
nail them every 16" using 4d finish nails. Use the nail set to recess
the nail heads.
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Install the doorknob. The holes
for the knob and latch assemblies should already by cut for you.
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Paint or Stain the door, jamb
and casing
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