Hanging a door is one of the tasks that we think are best done by professionals. But it can actually be a DIY task if you know how to hang a door the right way. Whether replacing an old door or putting up a brand new one, it takes a few hours and some simple steps to do it. We are here to break down the process of hanging a door in simple steps. Let’s get started!
Contents
What Tools Are Needed to Hang A Door?
You cannot hang a door without the right tools. Read ahead to know what tools you should gather before starting the process:
- HB pencil
- Tape measure
- A combination square
- Mallet (if not hammer)
- Chisel (various sizes)
- Power plane and smoothing plane
- Marking gauge
- Drills and drill bits
- Screwdriver
If you have gathered all these things, let’s quickly get to an important point often missed.
Which Way Around to Hang a Door and Which Way Up?
It may seem like an unreasonable question initially. Sometimes, it is easy to know which side to hang on just by looking at its design and markups. On the other hand, some doors have four or six panels, with the bottom stile taller than the top.
One simple way to find out is by knocking with your knuckle. The side that sounds hollow is your hinge side, and the side that sounds solid is the latch side.
For the top of the door, especially if you have a wooden door, look for a natural grain. You will find that the profile is a bit curved at the top. In other cases, you must know that most clean and smooth edges go on the top.
If you are struggling to determine the top of the door, you could also look up Google images similar to your door design.
How to Hang a Door? Step by Step Guide
Now, let’s start with the step-by-step process of hanging a door:
Step 1. Prepare the Door Lining or Door Frame
The very first step is to prepare the door lining or the door frame. You need to make sure that the door frame is clean and debris free. If the walls are newly plastered, use a blunt chisel to get rid of any lumps from the door lining.
If you are replacing an old door, remove the old door stops and sand the stops and the frame to smooth out the rough spots. For those working on an exterior door, check if it has already been rebated. You must rebate the bottom of the door over the weather strip if it is not rebated.
Then, measure the thickness of the door, which is either 35 mm or 44mm, and use a combination square and pencil to draw the line on the frame. Draw a line about three inches down from the top and bottom of the frame to exclude the hinges.
Run a nail along the line in order to secure the door so it would not move while making the markings. If you are using a high end door, cover it with a piece of wood so it doesn’t get scratched.
Step 2. Put the Door in the Lining and Mark it Up
Position the door in the frame with the lock block located at the side where you will be installing the handle. If the door is slightly wider than the frame, then use a hand plane or an electric planer and plane it down to size.
Once it’s in place, lift the door with a wooden wedge so there’s a 2-3mm gap at the top. If you are hanging multiple doors, position one of them or even a piece of cardboard to ensure even gaps.
If your floor is not inserted yet, measure the bottom gap to ensure that your carpet and underlay can fit adequately. You’ll want about an 18-20mm gap here. If the space is insufficient, you should draw and cut the base of the doorway at this stage.
Step 3. Mark the Hinges
Now, it is time to mark the places where the hinges will go on both the door and the frame. For the top hinge, measure about 150mm down from the top. When you are marking for the bottom hinge, measure 230 mm up from the bottom.
Quick tip: You could mark “x” on the side where the hinge will be. You can do this on both the door and the frame.
If you are hanging a front door or a fire door that is on the heavier side, you can add a third hinge in the middle for more support.
Step 4. Chop the Hinges Out
Start by chiseling both the top and bottom of each hinge horizontally with a sharp chisel. Work at approximately 10 mm intervals and use the gauge for angle cutting. It is recommended to use a cutting angle of 45 degrees. Ensure that you are careful while trying to shave off the waste wood so as not to go beyond the intended thinning.
After that, erase all penciled marks and drill start holes for screws on the wooden boards. When the hinge recesses appear spotless and level, screw on the ‘leaf’ side of the hinges into the door using your drill.
Furthermore, Make sure that screws are located close to the surface and not protruding. When using flat-head screws, make them slightly inclined so they all align properly to provide a smooth surface.
When using ‘loose pin’ hinges, make sure you take out the pin and fix it in the opposite direction after hanging the door to prevent it from falling off.
Step 5. Trim the Bottom
If your door becomes too tall that it strikes the floor or carpet, the bottom must be cut off. Saw the edges to their appropriate sizes and then flattened the edge using sandpaper. Lastly, ensure there is a small gap of about ¼” on the door bottom to ensure you get enough clearance space.
Step 6. Applying a Leading Edge
To give your door a clean, professional look, then apply a leading edge on the side of the door that faces the room. You can do it using a planer or sander so that the door can glide when opening and closing without touching the frame.
Step 7: Screw the Door to the Lining
This is the last step in this guide on how to hang a door. When placing the hinges, use the door to fit it in the frame and the hinges properly. Screw them in while swinging the door, and then turn in the screws tight. It is recommended to ask someone to hold the door stable while doing this because of the steadiness required.
Here are the steps to hang a door without having to ask a professional to do it. We have covered the main steps to hang a door, but watch this video if you need more clarity.
FAQs
What is the Correct Way to Hang a Door?
The correct way to hang a door is to begin with squaring and leveling the frame. Further, adjusting the size of the door, marking the hinge location, carving space for the hinge, and fixing the door frame.
Can you Hang a Door on Your Own?
Absolutely, you can hang a door on your own without a professional’s assistance. However, you could take someone’s help to hold the firm while you fix the hinges.
Do you Put Hinges on the Door or Frame First?
Normally, the hinges can be fixed on the door, and then the door is installed in the frame. But you are recommended to mark where the slots for the hinges should be on the frame.
How is a Door Attached to a Door Frame?
A door is mounted on the frame with the help of hinges, which are bolted to the door and to the frame. Hinges enable the door to flap open, and when moved the opposite way, they can shut it.
Final Words
Hanging a door might seem like a tricky task at first, but with the right tools and methods, you could easily do it. By following the steps we have mentioned, you can have a door perfectly hung that will work smoothly.
If you are looking for expert guidance on how to hang a door or need high-quality doors for your wholesale business, our team is here to help. Contact us today for the support and products to get the job right.
