The Complete Guide to DIY Door Installation: Tips and Tricks

Bored with the way your home looks? Thinking of starting a home improvement project and want to start with a door installation? Just the thought of doing it yourself can send shivers down your spine — especially if you’re a novice at DIY-ing practically anything. 

Don’t fret! With the right tools and some great tips, you can tackle virtually any installation.

Choosing the Right Sort of Door

Before you can start installing a new door — or even think about it, you need to know what kind of door would suit your needs. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind. 

1. Replacement or Repair? 

We understand you’d want to change out your door but sometimes you don’t really need a replacement. You can sometimes get away with just a repair. However, if your door’s warped, damaged or cracked, a replacement is the way to go. 

2. Size & Style 

When you’re choosing a door, you need to make sure it matches the rest of the aesthetic you’re going for. Doors are a long-term investment, which is why you want to be extra careful while making this decision. 

Similarly, if your door isn’t of standard size, you’ll need to look into custom options. 

3. Pre-Hung or Slab

Choosing between a pre-hung and a slab door can greatly affect your DIY project. Here’s how: 

• Pre-hung Doors: These come with a frame and are easier to install. They are ready to fit into the door opening, reducing the chances of errors.
• Slab Doors: These are just the door itself without a frame, requiring more steps and precise measurements. They can be more challenging for beginners, and we highly advise against hanging these up on your own. 

Also Read: How Long Does Door Repair Typically Take?

Preparing for Installation

When it comes to a successful DIY door installation, preparation is of utmost importance. Especially if you have no prior experience and have no idea what you’re doing. Here’s how you’d want to go about installing a pre-hung door. 

1. Gather Your Tools 

For your home project, you’ll need to bring the big guns out. We’re talking about a pry bar, putty knife, drill, screwdriver, frame, shims, nails, screws, hammer, level, and measuring tape. 

2. Remove the Old Door

So far, so good. Right? Next step is to remove your old door along with its frame. You’ll want to take off the locks and hinges, take off the trim, remove the header and leave a sort of rough looking entrance. 

3. Measure

Ideally, you’d want to have already measured out your door. If you haven’t already, now’s a good time. Measure the rough opening and check whether it would fit your new door snuggly. The opening should be approximately 2 to 2.5 inches larger than the door jamb for proper fitting.

4. Position the New Door

Now that you know your new door fits, here’s where it actually starts. Start by positioning the new door and aligning it with the shims in the opening. Now’s when you want to take your sweet time and make sure everything is level and plumb. 

5. Secure the Door 

Once you’re happy with the position, secure the door with nails at each hinge location. This is of course temporary, which is why you can make any adjustments as you deem fit. 

6. Final Touches 

Insert shims around the door frame to keep it steady and aligned. You need to then replace the center screw on each hinge with a longer one to anchor the door to the wall frame.

7. Nail the Frame 

Finish by nailing the frame to the wall every 16 inches on the latch side. Doing so will help make sure the door remains securely in place. Voila! You’re done! 

8. Step Back and Observe

If you’re happy with the work you’ve done, pat yourself on the back! You deserve it. If, however, you tend to perfect everything you do, you can also install a trim if your door is trimmable for a polished look. 

Also Read: Common Mistakes to Avoid During Door Installation

To DIY Or Not to DIY, That is the Question 

DIY-ing a door installation isn’t all that complicated. With the right approach, materials, and a can-do attitude, it can even be a breeze! If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, however, we have just the solution for you: Alpha Doors in New Jersey.

We do all sorts of installations including wooden doors, sliding doors and even screen doors! As professionals, not only do we do the job right, but we also make sure to provide you with expert advice on materials and styles as we do it. Get in touch today!