Bedroom Doors: Install Or Not?

is there installation in bedroom door

Installing a bedroom door is a simple DIY project that can be accomplished in a few hours. There are two types of interior doors: prehung doors, which come with the frame and door, and slab or blank doors, which only include the door itself. The process involves removing the old door, preparing the new door, marking and trimming it, attaching the hardware, and finishing the installation. Prehung doors are easier to work with, while slab doors require precise work to attach the hinges. Proper installation ensures the door opens and closes smoothly, with the correct clearances.

Characteristics Values
Difficulty Beginner-friendly DIY project that can be accomplished in a few hours
Tools required Nails, nail gun, power drill, level, circular saw, utility knife, hammer, screwdriver, paintbrush, putty knife, straight edge, brad nailer, drill, countersink bit, screws, wood shims, shim, hinge template, door lock installation kit/hole saw kit, router
Types of doors Prehung door, slab door/blank door
Prehung door features Door is already on the frame, comes with attached hinges and pre-cut holes for doorknob and strike plate
Slab door features Includes just the door, does not include any part of the frame; requires attaching hinges to the door, which is precise work
Installation steps Remove existing door if necessary; level and shim the door in position; nail the door frame to the studs; install the door trim; fill any gaps and nail holes; attach the new lockset

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Choosing the right type of door

  • Space-saving: If you have limited space in your bedroom, consider installing a sliding door, pocket door, or bifold door. These doors take up minimal floor and wall space when opened or closed, making them perfect for small spaces.
  • Privacy: Pocket doors and bifold doors can provide more privacy than traditional swinging doors as they don't require any floor space to open or close.
  • Style and design: The style and design of the door should complement the overall style of your home. Consider the material, colour, and design of the door to ensure it matches the decor and your personal taste.
  • Installation: Pre-hung doors come with the frame and hinges already attached, making installation much easier than slab doors. They also provide better insulation and security. However, slab doors may be a more economical option if you only need to replace the door itself.
  • Material and finish: The material and finish of the door can impact its durability, cost, and aesthetic. Wood grain finishes are elegant but may require more maintenance, while solid wood doors are durable but can be costly. MDF and fibreglass offer a more affordable and durable alternative.

When choosing the right type of door for your bedroom, consider your specific needs and preferences to ensure you select a door that fits both your functional and design requirements.

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Removing the old door

Prepare the Work Area:

Before starting the removal process, ensure that you have a clear and safe workspace. If needed, lay a cover on the floor to protect it from any potential damage. It is also recommended to have a helper to assist you, especially when dealing with heavy external doors.

Remove the Door Hardware:

Start by removing the lockset, hinge pins, and hinge plates. Use a screwdriver to remove the hinge pins by tapping on the bottom of the hinge pin and then pulling them out. If they are stubborn, use a flat-blade screwdriver to drive them up. For external doors, you may also need to remove weatherstrips, seals, and brackets that keep the door attached to the frame.

Loosen the Hinges:

If your door hinges have removable pins, you can remove the door by driving out the pins with a hammer and a long nail or a thin screwdriver. Make sure to support the door as you remove the pins to prevent it from falling over. If the hinges don't have removable pins, you will need to unscrew them from the frame. Start by loosening the screws in the first hinge, then move on to the other hinges.

Lift and Remove the Door:

Carefully lift the door from the frame. For heavy external doors, you may need assistance. Do not lean the door against a wall, especially if you plan to reuse it. Place the door in a prepared area or use a clamping tool to hold it securely.

Remove the Trim and Jamb (if Replacing the Entire Door Assembly):

If you are replacing the entire door assembly, including the frame, you will need to remove the door trim and jamb. Use a pry bar and a block of wood to carefully remove the trim without damaging the wall. The head and side jambs are usually nailed together, so remove them simultaneously. Pry the side jambs away from the studs, and then remove the head jamb.

Final Preparations:

Before installing the new door, make any necessary adjustments to the wall or door frame. If you are reusing the trim and it is in good condition, you can set it aside for later use. Additionally, if you plan to paint the door or trim, now is a good time to do so.

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Preparing the new door

Before installing your new bedroom door, you'll need to decide whether to install a prehung door or a slab door. A prehung door comes with the door already on the frame, while a slab door only includes the door itself, requiring you to attach the hinges precisely. Prehung doors are generally easier for beginners, but your choice will depend on your skills and budget.

Once you've selected the type of door, you'll need to measure your door frame precisely. Make sure to measure twice to ensure accuracy. If you're replacing an existing door, you can use it as a template for the new one. Close the old door and make marks about 10 inches up from the floor, which you'll use as reference marks later when trimming the new door.

If you're installing a prehung door, ensure you get the correct swing direction. This is determined by the placement of the hinges and doorknob. Stand with your back to the hinges and open the door. If the doorknob is on your left, you need a left-handed door, and if it's on your right, you need a right-handed door.

Now, let's prepare the new door:

  • Mark the excess on the new door: Place the new door on sawhorses and set the old door on top, keeping the tops and hinge sides flush. Clamp them together and mark any excess on the new door, which you'll trim later.
  • Mark the hinge locations: Use a combination square to mark the locations of the hinge mortises on the new door.
  • Transfer the mortise distances: Use the square to transfer the distance of the mortises from the door edge.
  • Mark the mortise depths: Use a hinge as a guide to mark the mortise depths.
  • Mark the lockset location: Determine where the lockset will go on the door face. Your lockset may include measurements to help with accurate placement.
  • Transfer the reference marks: Transfer the reference marks you made earlier from the old door to the new one.
  • Prepare to cut: From the reference marks, measure 9-7/8 inches towards the bottom and draw a straight line across the door. This line indicates where to cut for a proper clearance at the bottom of the door.
  • Cut the excess: Cut any excess material from the sides and bottom of the new door using a saw or planer. Remember to follow the door manufacturer's instructions and be mindful of any beveled edges.

Now that the new door is prepared, you can proceed with the installation process, which includes attaching the door hardware, hinges, and lockset, as well as finishing the installation by setting the door on the hinges and making the necessary adjustments.

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Attaching the door hardware

Attaching the Latch Assembly

Ensure that the beveled side of the latch faces the jamb so that it pushes the latch back when you close the door. If you do this backward, you will need to turn the handle to get the door closed each time. Most doors come with space removed to accommodate the faceplate. If not, you may need to trace the size of the plate onto the door and then remove some wood with a chisel so that the faceplate sits flush. Once the latch assembly is in place, wait until the rest of the handle is installed to screw the faceplate in place.

Installing the Handles

With the latch assembly in place, slide the door handle with the attached cylinder into place. It must line up with the holes in the latch assembly to function properly. When in place, position the opposite handle to secure the connection. The handles can now be fastened with two screws, generally located on the "locking" side of the door. With lever-style handles, you may need to "swap handles" so that they are facing the correct direction. Most models can be released with a small button on the base of the handle.

Fastening the Faceplate

Fasten the faceplate with a few screws.

Attaching the Backplates and Door Knobs

Once the door is hung, attach the backplates and door knobs. Make sure not to screw the knobs on too tightly.

Adding the Lockset and Strike Plate

Add the lockset and strike plate. Prehung doors typically come with attached hinges and pre-cut places for the doorknob and strike plate. The doorknob, lockset, and strike plate are sold separately.

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Finishing the installation

Now that you have the door in place, there are just a few more steps to complete the installation process.

Attach the Door Hardware

Use a utility knife to score the mortise lines. Outline the edges of each mortise and make relief cuts using a chisel and hammer. Be careful not to go deeper than the marked mortise depth. Drill pilot holes and attach the hinge with screws.

Next, drill the lockset holes according to the hardware instructions. Cut halfway through one side of the door, then flip it over and finish drilling from the other side to prevent splintering. Drill the edge bore hole for the latch with a 1-inch hole saw.

Paint the Door

If you plan to paint the door, it is recommended to do so at this stage.

Install New Hinge Plates

On the jamb, install the new hinge plates. Check the fit by holding the plate in the mortise. It should sit flush with the casing. Drill pilot holes if needed and attach the hinge plates with screws.

Adjust the Mortise and Attach Hinge Plates

If the mortise isn't deep enough, use a chisel to remove some wood. Remember to keep the beveled side of the chisel against the wood to remove small amounts of material. If the mortise is too deep, use cardboard as a shim behind the hinge plate. Once you're happy with the fit, attach the hinge plates securely.

Attach the New Strike Plate

Fix the new strike plate if you're not reusing the old one.

Set the Door on the Hinges

Place the door in the hinges and use wood shims on the floor to elevate it if necessary. Insert the hinge pins. You may need to use a hammer to tap the hinge pins flush. Test the door by moving it back and forth to ensure it has the correct clearance.

Install the Lockset or Door Knob

Follow the directions provided with your chosen lockset or door knob to install it.

Test the Door

Finally, test the door to ensure it fits and swings freely. Your new bedroom door installation is now complete!

Frequently asked questions

There are two types of interior doors: prehung doors and slab doors. Slab doors are also known as blank doors and include just the door without any part of the frame. Prehung doors, on the other hand, come with the door already attached to the frame, making them easier to install.

The basic tools you will need for installing an interior door include a putty knife, pry bar, hammer, nails, screwdriver, level, and shims. If you are installing a prehung door, you may also need a nail gun and a power drill.

To remove an existing door, first, loosen the trim with a putty knife. Then, use a pry bar and a block of wood to carefully remove the trim without damaging the wall. Remove the hinge pins and take out the door, followed by unscrewing and removing the hinge plates.

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