How to Install a Pre-Hung Door
I am so excited to continue moving forward with my kitchen renovation. The next project I am tackling is putting a door into the existing doorframe in my kitchen. There used to be a barn door there, but now I want something different!
Table of Contents
Prepping to Install the Pre-Hung Door
The first step in installing a pre-hung door is to expose the studs and framing. You need to prep your opening to be big enough to fit the door you are installing. I used the measurements that came with my pre-hung door and cut the opening accordingly. To cut into my drywall and expose the studs I am using my oscillating multitool. This makes light work of the cutting process! PPE is a MUST for this step, I wore a respirator, goggles, and ear protection. It gets loud and very dusty.
The next step that is necessary before you can hang your door is checking to see how square your framing is. If the framing is not square, you need to add blocking. I am using a nail gun to hold my blocking in place where the door is not square.
Aligining the Door
Once the door opening is completely prepped, you align the whole kit in the opening. It is important to keep the jamb and door shut together to maintain the square. If you have exposed everything correctly, the door should fit well in the hole. It is important to check alignment because if you are slightly off the door will look wonky in its opening.
Installing the Pre-Hung Door
When you have ensured the door is aligned, it is time to install. You need to shim behind each hinge. Attach the frame of the door to the framing where you shimmed. I am using 2.5-inch long 16-gauge finish nails, but you can also use screws. It is vital that you maintain level in all directions, and then you can repeat the shim and nail process on the opposite side of the door.
Finishing Touches
Now that the door is hung, you can remove the plug that keeps the door closed. This is located where the door handle will be. You need to take a hammer and knock the plug out of place, and then grab it and pull the plug out. My door needed more threshold clearance, so I cut a bit off the bottom and sealed it. Next, I am installing the handle set in the pre-drilled holes. Finally, I am adding the trim around the door. Now the door is completely installed. To make it complete, you just need to caulk seams, fill nail holes, and paint!
This door looks so good and adds privacy to my kitchen! Installing a pre-hung door is so much easier than you would think, try it out yourself!
