Are you seeking tips on door installation? Wondering how to install a door correctly? You’ve found the perfect spot! We’ll guide you through a detailed, step-by-step process. Learn everything necessary to install interior doors efficiently.
Prefer learning through videos? Explore our YouTube tutorial for easy-to-follow visual instructions on installing interior doors.
Installing an interior door is a great way to enhance your home’s style affordably, adding a fresh look without breaking the bank.
Step 1 - Prepare The Door Jamb
Start by measuring the width of the wall frame and linings. Since this wall has wider-than-standard pine linings, a larger door frame is necessary. I’ll buy a wider door jamb frame and rip it down to the needed size. This ensures the frame finishes flush with the internal linings.
For this project, I’m using a pre-rebated door frame. You can choose from two types: a rebated door jamb or square profile timber. If using square profile timber, add a stop trim after installation to create the rebate. However, I’m using a pre-rebated frame for convenience.
Step 2- Cut The Frame And Rebate The Head
Next, we precisely cut the door frame to the correct sizes using specific formulas for accuracy. To find the door frame width, add 3.5 mm gaps on each side of the door to the door’s width.
For the height, add 3.5 mm for the space above the door and 6 mm from the finished floor height to the bottom. Remember to account for future floor coverings; this project includes a 7 mm vinyl floor, affecting the frame height.
Once measurements are set, I cut the door frame members to size. Next, I rebate the head of the frame for the stiles to fit. I mark the style positions on the head, indicate the rebate depth, then use a miter saw and a sharp chisel for precision.
Step 3 -Rebate Hinges into Stiles
The next step in our door installation is to mark and rebate the hinge positions on the door frame. I prefer to handle this before installation, rebating the hinges into the door stiles while comfortably working on sawhorses.
For precise hinge placement, I mark the top hinge 150 mm from the top and the bottom hinge 225 mm from the bottom of the frame. I scribe the hinge positions onto the jamb with a sharp knife for accuracy.
After marking, I use a chisel to carefully remove wood to the right depth, ensuring the hinges sit flush with the frame. This careful preparation ensures a smooth, professional finish for your door installation.
Step 4 - Glue Nail And Screw Door Frame Together
To assemble the door frame, I spread PVA glue on the joints and secure them with three small brad nails. This method keeps the frame securely together.
For added durability, I reinforce the frame by inserting two 70 mm screws into each side. Ensuring the frame is flush and square during assembly is crucial for a professional finish.
I also double-check that the internal opening size of the frame is accurate, preventing issues during door installation. To keep the frame square and aligned during transport and installation, I cut and nail a timber piece at the bottom.
Step 5 - Install The Door Frame
The next step is to install the door frame into the opening. Ensue the hinge side is plumb. I start by installing three packers—top, middle, and bottom—on the hinge side for stability.
For hollow core doors, I use two packers; for solid core doors, four to support the door adequately. Using a 2-meter level, I check that the packers are plumb and straight. These packers are where I’ll nail and screw the door jamb to the wall.
Level, Straight & Plumb
I maintain about 6 mm of packing on each side of the door frame for a snug fit without warping. After ensuring the hinge side is packed properly, I place the frame in the opening and check that the head is level.
Next, I secure the hinge side to the packers, making sure it’s flush with the internal linings. I then secure the opposite side of the frame, starting at the top and using packers or wedges to keep it straight and plumb.
Here’s a quick checklist for a smooth door frame installation: Ensure hinges are rebated correctly, sides are straight and plumb, and the frame head is level. Following these steps will help achieve a professional-quality installation.
Once the door frame is installed—straight, plumb, and level, I add two small-headed screws at each packer position for extra strength. I also place one screw behind each hinge to avoid the need for filling and to secure the hinge firmly to the frame.
A crucial detail in door frame installation is ensuring the door frame is “in wind,” meaning both sides are exactly plumb. Sometimes, if the wall frame has a twist and is out of plumb, you need to adjust the door frame similarly on both sides to allow the door to close flush. This is a link to help explain more.
If the sides of the door frame are out of plumb in opposite directions, the door won’t close properly. Always check the framing opening before installation, and double-check that the door is perfectly in wind as you install the door jamb.
Once satisfied with the door frame installation, I add two screws through each packer. For the hinges, I mark the positions and add one screw behind each for a secure fixing
Step 6 - Transfer Hinge Positions With A Story Rod
Hold the story rod upright against the door frame where the hinges will be. Push it up to touch the frame’s top. Then, with a sharp pencil, transfer the hinge positions from the frame to the rod. Ensure the marks are clear and accurate.
As shown in my previous French door tutorials, a story rod simplifies transferring hinge positions to multiple doors.
Step 7 - Transfer Hinge Positions To The Door
First, determine which way the door will open and mark the side where the hinge pins will face. On hollow core doors, follow the manufacturer’s label for hinge placement, as it indicates the solid block side for the lock.
Then, apply a coat of primer to the top, bottom, and edges of the door to protect it. Hollow core doors typically have a sticker indicating the correct side for hinges and locks.
Lay the story rod against the door, aligning its top with the door’s top. Position the story rod 3mm above the door top, representing the gap between the door and the frame.
Transfer the hinge positions from the story rod to the door using a sharp pencil. Next, place a hinge over each mark, trace around it, and outline with a sharp blade.
Chisel out the marked areas to the required depth for the hinges. Once your story rod is set, it can simplify marking multiple doors and frames.
For a single door installation, use a chisel and utility blade to rebate the hinge positions. For multiple doors, an electric trimmer speeds up the process.
Step 8 -Attach Hinges To The Door
Once the hinges are rebated into the door side and sit flush, I’ll pre-drill and screw them into place securely. I use a hinge as a template to pre-drill screw positions into the door frame, ensuring perfect alignment.
Step 9 - Swing Door
Before installing the door, I pre-drill the screw positions into the door frame’s rebate for ease.
I then carry and position the door using a pump or lever, setting it at 90 degrees to the frame.Now, I just need to screw the hinges into their positions on the door frame to enable the door to swing.
If all measurements are accurate, the door will open and close perfectly, maintaining a 3 mm gap around the sides and top, and a 6 mm gap at the bottom.
Step 10- Install The Door Lock
Every new door lock comes with its own installation instructions. Follow these steps one by one to install the lock correctly. Most internal door locks are similar, requiring you to mark the center of the door’s height.
Mark the center edge of the door and a 60 mm backset on both faces of the door. This lock needs a 54 mm hole drilled through both sides and a 25 mm hole for the latch from the edge. Always follow the instructions carefully, as they can vary slightly between different locks.
Next, position the latch on the door’s edge, marking it clearly with a pencil and square. Use a sharp knife to mark the latch’s width, then chisel out the correct depth with a 25 mm chisel and utility knife. Once the latch is rebated to the correct depth, pre-drill and screw it into the rebate.
Finally, place the handles from each side and secure them together using the supplied hardware.
Last Step - Install The Latch Onto The Door Frame
The final step is installing the striker plate onto the door frame. First, shut the door and transfer the latch’s center to the frame.This mark determines the center for the striker plate hole.
Square this center line across the door frame. Align the striker plate with this center line and trace it with a sharp pencil. Drill a 25 mm hole where the latch will enter. Use a sharp knife and chisel to rebate the latch depth in the door frame. Screw the striker plate into place, ensuring it’s flush with the frame.
Test the lock to make sure it operates smoothly and the door swings freely with even 3 mm gaps. This Is the complete process on how to install a door, from start to finish.
That’s the project complete! For more great articles continue reading here!