How to properly install pre-hung interior doors

Installing doors may seem easy, but putting a door in properly can be more difficult than it appears. Doors can be tricky and even after hanging it is common to find something isn't quite working right. Maybe the door is rubbing on the frame causing it not to shut or to be difficult to shut. Doors can be difficult, but with this easy guide they are as simple as three steps. Below is a list of all the tools needed and detailed instructions for installing an interior door and frame.

Tools and supplies needed:

pre-hung door

door knob and hardware

wood or composite shims

wood filler

caulking

Finish nail gun

impact driver

drill

hinge pin remover/small screwdriver

hammer

level

Once you have all those things it is time to get your new door installed. If you need help removing your There are five easy steps to getting a door installed.

1. separate the door from the frame. There are a couple of ways to do this, though we find the easiest way, especially if you're working alone, is to remove the hinge pins from the hinges. It is best to do with the door shut and the frame/door held firmly by a second person, or leaned securely against a wall if alone. Use a hinge pin remover or a small screw driver and hammer to remove the hinge pins. With the frame placed securely remove the door by opening it about halfway as you normally would, taking care to support the doors weight from the handle side. Lower it slowly to the ground and separate the door hinges from the frame hinges.

2. Fit frame into opening and level. Your opening will likely be quite a bit wider than your frame, that is okay. You will need to add shims to both sides. An easy way to do this is cut a piece of scrap wood just a little wider than the width of the door itself. so if it is a 32" door a piece of scrap wood cut at 32 1/16. With your frame placed into its intended opening take your scrap piece and insert it in the door frame the same way the door would go pulling the frame tight to the board so it wont slip out if you let it go. Now try to make the space between the outside of the frame and the wall studs even on both sides. Starting from the top and moving down insert shims between the frame and wall studs on both sides until your shims hold themselves in place. Move your scrap wood down towards the doors center and repeat the shimming process and keep repeating until door is shimmed evenly to the floor ensuring your scrap wood still fits well enough, from top to bottom, where it isn't so tight you have to force it but no more than a small gap. Now take at least a 36" level and run it length wise down the inside of the door frame ensuring it is pressed firmly against the frame. Read the bubble and adjust frame accordingly to ensure level. Now move your level to the thin outside of the frame and adjust for level from this other angle. Repeat the process on the other side or "leg" of your frame to ensure it is level and plum. You can use a rubber mallet to tap the frame making small adjustments to achieve desired level.

3. Securing your frame: Once complete you can use your finish nailer to drive holes through the thickest part of the frame taking care to only nail where the shims are, securing the door frame and shims to the wall studs on both sides.

4. Re-hang your door: This step is easier with two people, but if you are alone you will want to pick the door up and put the hinges back together starting from bottom and working your way up. Though they may not be aligned perfectly if you are able to swing the door to a closed position and hold it closed with one hand you will drop your hinge pins in with the other. They may not wan to go down all the way but once all three are in as far as you can get them you can use your rubber mallet to hit them in the rest of the way taking care to keep firm pressure on the door with one hand the entire time.

5. Pat yourself on the back: You just successfully installed an interior door. Now you need some trim, caulking, putty/wood filler, and paint, but that is a post for another day, but coming soon!