Pre-hung interior doors are very easy and quick to install. If you are remodeling or building a new home, using these doors will save both time and money. Most of these types of doors swing like, French doors and double doors. Installing pre-hung doors is easy even for a beginner.
Types of Doors
Hollow core pre-hung doors are the most common type of doors on the market. They are lightweight and can be very elegant in appearance. One drawback to the hollow core type is that they are not soundproof. Noise will filter through a hollow core easily. This hollow cores come in many wood veneer types, and can be stained to match existing woodwork or painted.
Solid core pre-hung doors are more than a hollow core but less than a solid door. Solid core doors generally have a veneer exterior also. They are a little more work to install and are much heavier. They are also more sound proof then hollow core.
Solid doors are also heavy and are even more expensive. They come in all wood varieties and can be stained, varnished or painted.
Some pre-hung doors come pre-trimmed. This saves time, energy and money. If the door you choose does not come pre-trimmed, you may want
to buy casing for it and pre-trim it first before installing. This makes installation quicker and easier.
Decisions to be Made
Before you purchase a pre-hung door, you will need to make some decisions. You will have to choose which way the door will swing. Most people make this decision by where the light switch is located. When swing is opposite of the light switch it will make it difficult to turn on the lights. Other choices to be made include the size of the doorway, whether flooring or carpeting will be added and what style would fit the room best.
Size
Determining the size you will need for the doorway is easy once you understand how to measure. A basic framed doorway is generally two inches wider than the door should be. Many newer houses have standard sizes. Framed bedroom doors tend to be two feet and six inches wide, which means the door should be 30 inches. Bathroom doors are most often two feet and four inches making the door itself 28 inches. Handicap doors are always three feet to allow easy access for wheelchairs. Older homes may have larger or smaller doorways so measure the doorway before making a choice.
Hanging a Door Basics
A pre-hung interior door comes complete with hardware. Carefully unpack the door and check it carefully. Doors should be closed when hanging. Place the pre-hung door in the opening. Starting with the swing side first check to make sure it is level. If not level, you can use shims to make it level.
If you plan to add carpet later, you will need to set the door on small blocks. One half inch blocks will provide enough room for the carpet and allow it to swing freely.
Stand on the inside of the room and set the pre-hung door carefully into the opening. Be sure that the casing is tight against the drywall. Nail the casing about two inches above the floor. This will hold the door while you check to make sure it is level. Shims can be used to support the door while you lift it slightly to achieve perfect plumb. Once the door is level, you nail the casing near the hinges. Open the door and nail the top of the casing. You will be using a nail or two per side until you have checked the door again to ensure that it is level. Once you are sure you will put nails near the hinges and at regularly spaced intervals.
Finishing your home yourself and installing pre-hung interior doors is a way to save money. The time required may translate into more capitol for other projects or that special flooring for the room.