Handyman

Door Installation: Hanging Interior and Exterior Doors

March 5, 2025

Handyman Team

7 min read

Door Installation: Hanging Interior and Exterior Doors

Hanging a door correctly is a job that requires precision and patience. An improperly installed door can stick, swing open on its own, or have unsightly gaps. For DIYers, the easiest way to install a new door is by using a "pre-hung" door, which comes already mounted in its own frame. This guide focuses on that common process.

📏 Step 1: Measuring and Preparation

Getting the measurements right is the most critical step.

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Measure the Rough Opening: Measure the height, width, and depth of the opening in the wall where the door will go. Your new pre-hung door unit should be slightly smaller than this opening to allow for shims.

level

Check for Plumb and Level: Use a long level to ensure the sides (jambs) of the rough opening are plumb (perfectly vertical) and the top (header) and floor are level.

🚪 Step 2: Hanging the Door

This is where precision comes into play. You'll need a partner to help lift the door into place.

Place the Door: Lift the pre-hung door unit into the rough opening. Push the hinge side of the frame snugly against the wall framing.

Shim the Hinge Side: Insert wood shims (thin, tapered pieces of wood) in pairs from opposite sides behind each hinge. Use your level to adjust the shims until the hinge jamb is perfectly plumb.

Secure the Hinge Side: Once plumb, nail through the door frame, shims, and into the wall stud. Start at the top hinge. Check for plumb again before nailing the other hinge locations.

Shim and Secure the Top and Latch Side: Now, move to the top of the door and the latch side, inserting shims to create a consistent, even gap (about the thickness of a nickel) between the door and the frame on all sides. Nail this side in place.

✅ Step 3: Finishing Touches

The final steps complete the installation.

Finalizing the Install:

Score and Break Shims: Use a utility knife to score the shims where they stick out, then snap them off flush with the frame.
Install Hardware: Install the doorknob and strike plate.
Install Trim: Nail the door casing (trim) around the frame to cover the gap between the frame and the drywall.

Exterior door installation is a more complex process involving weatherproofing, flashing, and sealing to prevent water and air leaks, and is often best left to a professional.

A perfectly hung door is a satisfying project, but it can be challenging. For a flawless, professional installation of both interior and exterior doors, trust the experienced craftsmen at Handyman In A Box. We ensure every door we hang is perfectly plumb, level, and square.