Installing an Interior Door

We open and close them all day long in our homes, sometimes quietly and others with a loud bang. Eventually after much use and abuse even a door needs to be replaced or maybe it's time for a facelift from the inside out. Installing interior doors is a straightforward easy to do project. Using a few simple tools and pieces of hardware you can have a new interior door installed in no time.

When installing an interior door it is helpful to grab a friend or family member to assist you. However you can do this yourself with the assistance of a shim. A shim is usually a piece of wood that you can put into crevices or under doors when installing to keep them plumb, level and in one place when working alone. You can buy your interior doors already pre-hung in the frame which makes your job easier and saves time. The only thing to do there is make sure everything is level, plumb and nail it in. An interior door that isn't pre-hung takes a little more work to install so that it hangs and closes correctly.

First thing to do is take some measurements of your door and the opening. Place the door in the opening and use your shims until the door is centered in the opening. You'll want to trim the door so that there is a small gap next to the jamb and is less than ½". Your door when installed should be quiet when shut, tight when closed yet not swing open on its own. Mark your door where it meets the existing hinges, spot for the latch hole so you'll know where you want the doorknob to be. The measuring and trimming of your door is important, if you trim too much then it isn't going sit right in the opening; so be careful.

Next is to carve out the mortises. The mortises are the recessed part where the hinges sit in the door. Trace the hinges on the new door and mark the lines with a utility knife. Take a deep breath, practice lots of patience, and keep your hand light and steady when carving these areas out. Too deep and your door won't close correctly, not deep enough (too shallow) and the door might creak and scrape every time you open or even crack the wood. Your chisel or other carving tool for the mortises should be sharp and clean.

You have a couple of choices at this point which are to use a mortise lock or a cylinder lockset on the door. A mortise lockset requires the use of a drill to create pockets for the lock. You'll drill a series of holes that need to be in exact alignment with each other so use a guide to achieve the straight line. Next drill your holes for the spindle and keyhole, there are templates available to ensure proper alignment. The cylinder lockset needs a hole cut in your door and on the face, there is nothing better to use than a hole saw. There are kits available to make this part easier and precise.

Everything's been measured, trimmed and holes drilled what's left to do? Now is when you want to stain or paint your door. Be sure you all six sides are covered with finish to seal it completely against humidity and the possibility of the door swelling. Install your hinges in the mortise using a centering punch to make divots for the screws. Screw the hinges onto the door starting with the hinge leaf. Do the remaining two hinges in the same manner and then install onto the hinges on the doorjamb. Take the door and hang it slipping it on the pins by slotting the hinges together. The locksets and doorknobs get installed next followed by the new strike plate, but don't screw your knobs on too tight.

Open and shut your door testing it for any creaks, swinging open actions and tight spots where you might need to make some adjustments. You now have installed a new interior door. Installing interior doors is one of those easy upgrades in a home that enhances the décor, safety and value of a home for only a little cash from the pocketbook.

Looking for info on metal doors? The most comprehensive resource for manufacturers of metal doors is an online networking site that provides information that includes including down loadable 3-part specifications, CAD details and BIM objects.

Don't leave your windows uncovered, consider indoor wood plantation shutters to add another highlight to your home's interior.

For more tips check out the many other articles we have available.