How To Install Pre-Hung Doors In 7 Easy Steps
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Whether you have a damaged door that needs to be replaced, or you just want new doors to go with your new decor, installing pre-hung doors is something that you can easily do yourself. Doors come in many different colors, designs and materials, so you have a lot to choose from. Almost all doors sold now are pre-hung, which means they are already hung on hinges and attached to a frame. Here are step-by-step instructions for how to install pre-hung doors.
Step 1 Gather your supplies and tools
You will need a few simple supplies and tools to install pre-hung doors: a hammer, a level, wooden shims, nails and silicone caulk.
Step 2 Measure the door opening
Measure the space where you are going to install the new door. Make sure you measure from stud to stud across, and from the top of the opening to the floor vertically. You also need to measure the wall thickness around the door.
Step 3 Buy your pre-hung door unit
Once you have your measurements it’s time to go door shopping. You can find pre-hung door units at home improvement stores. They generally cost anywhere from $100-$300 or you can order custom units from a door manufacturer or distributor. Select a door unit that is 1 inch smaller (length and width) than the door opening and 1 inch longer than the wall thickness where the door frame wraps around the wall.
Step 4 Place the pre-hung door unit into the door opening
Slide the pre-hung door unit into the opening. Center the unit as much as possible. Next install a few temporary nails into each wall jamb. Don’t nail them all the way in.
Step 5 Make sure the door unit is level
Use your level along the jambs and across the head of the frame to check the plumbness of the door unit. Make sure the frame is level. If it isn’t you can place wooden shims in between the studs and jambs. Keep adjusting until the door unit is level.
Once the door unit is level you can countersink the temporary nails and add nails along the jamb, spaced about six inches apart. Make sure to nail any wooden shims down.
Step 6 Install Trim Kit
A trim kit contains wooden strips that add an extra stylish look to your door. If you are using a trim kit install it.
Step 7 Finish door installation
Caulk the joint at the point where the pre-hung door unit meets the wall. This will seal the door in place.
Installing pre-hung doors is easy if you just follow the above steps. Enjoy your new doors.
Tags: pre hung doors
