Easy Installation - Pre-Hung Doors 101

Are you not all that capable with anything other than a hammer and a screwdriver? Well, if you can widen your scope, just a little, and incorporate a level into the mix, then you're well on your way to installing a pre-hung interior door.

Now that we have peaked your interest, here's the fine print. To bring it to life, you'll also need 8d and 16d nails, wooden shims, and some wood filler. Once you have these 6 easy-to-find components, you may embark on an 8-step quest to beautifying your home.

1. The Rough Opening
• Make sure that the rough opening is 1/2" taller and wider than the unit itself.

2. Determine the door swing
• Is it going to be a right-handed door or a left-handed door?

3. Confirm that...
• The threshold is level.
• The hinge side of the rough opening is plumb.
• The head is square to the hinge side of the rough opening.

4. Install Pre-hung unit
• Slide the pre-hung interior door into the rough opening, bottom first.

5. Nail hinge side of frame
• One 8d nail 6" from the bottom, another 6" from the top, and between the two, vertical center.

6. Repeat step 5 to the lock side of the frame

7. Nail the rest of the frame
• Secure the header with shims and nails. Wood doors Position wooded shims between the opening and the header.
• Nail the frame into position through the shims using 16d nails.

8. Finalizing
• Confirm that the gap between the door and frame is equal all throughout. If not, adjustments are needed.