What Is A Prehung Door? Prehung vs Slab Doors

When searching for a new door, you’ve come across two types: prehung doors (with frames) and slab doors (without frames). Choosing the right door can simplify your projects and add value to your business.

Read the guide below to know what prehung doors are, what’s the difference between prehung and slab doors, their benefits, features and how do you know which one is the best to buy.

What is a Prehung Door?

A prehung door is a slab door that has already been attached to a frame on three sides. After purchasing the prehung door you will have everything needed for installation as the frame and hinges are already attached. They are made of steel, fiberglass, or wood. The three major components of these doors are the door slab, frame, and hinges; however, many also include pre-cut frames for strike plates, mortises, and door knob holes.

Prehung doors come in a wide range of sizes and dimensions to match existing doorways. These doors are ideal for replacing the existing door or in new construction.

Pros of a Prehung Door

Convenience: Convenience is one of the main advantages of prehung doors. Individual components do not need to be measured, fitted, or aligned because they come as a whole unit. This lowers the risk of mistakes and ensures a quicker, easier installation.

Easy and Quick Installation: Installing prehung doors is easy because they are already attached to their frames.This ensures an easy and smooth installation process that saves time and effort.

Durable and Strong: Made with durable materials and powerful hardware to ensure they not only survive daily wear and tear, but also provide durability. These doors need less maintenance over time, saving you labor and money in the long term.

Improved Energy Efficiency: Prehung doors include built-in threshold and weatherstripping to prevent drafts and Improve your home’s energy efficiency, making it easier to maintain an even indoor temperature.

Cons of a Prehung Door

Heavy Weight: Prehung doors are heavy, weighing anything from 50 to 100 pounds. These doors are thicker and heavier than slab doors, making pre-cut and vintage doors more difficult to carry and handle. Even if weight is not a concern, a pre-hung door is difficult to move.

High upfront Cost: Prehung doors often cost more than slab doors. They are sold as a complete unit that includes the frame and hardware, this makes them expensive up front.

Fewer Size Options: Prehung doors come in standard sizes which might not suit all door openings. Additional work is needed to adjust the opening or look into customized options if the door frame is very large.

Difficult to Repair: If a prehung door is damaged, repair might be more difficult, In most cases, it requires replacing the entire unit rather than just the damaged part.

What is a Slab Door? 

Slab door is a door on its own and they are made of steel, fiberglass, or wood. Slab doors do come with a pre-cut door knob hole, but unlike prehung doors, they do not include a frame, hinges, or hardware. 

The contractor or builder has to design a new door frame or attach the slab to an existing door frame. Because of their simple design it is a better option for some applications, but it does require additional work.

Pros of a Slab Door

Versatile: Slab doors are easy and simple to install in different door frames and can be designed to suit a wide range of styles because of their smooth, and clean surface. 

Easy to Manage: Slab doors are lightweight, it’s much easier to move and handle a slab door than a prehung door unit.

Affordable: Slab doors are an affordable choice which makes them less expensive than prehung doors. Savings are often made despite spending on components like frames and hinges as well as professional installation.

Easy to Clean and Maintain: Because of their level, smooth surface, slab doors are simple to maintain. There are few areas for the dirt and particles to settle, that’s why cleaning these doors takes less time and it’s more simple.

Cons of a Slab Door

Hard to Install: Slab doors are difficult to install as they do not come prehung and require exact measurements, alignment, and additional steps such as hinge attachment and frame mounting. This process can be time-consuming and need help of a professional specifically if the frame is new or requires replacing.

Perceived Lower Value: Slab doors can be seen as less valuable or elegant than advanced door designs, especially in upscale homes.

Insufficient Weather Protection: Slab doors might not come with a threshold or weatherstripping, which make them less suitable for exterior doors that need good weather protection.

Risk of Damage: Compared to textured or patterned doors, their smooth surface is more likely at risk to dents, scratches, and other damage.

Prehung vs. Slab Door: Which is the Right Choice? 

There are several reasons to choose one style of door over another. At the end of the day, the decision between a prehung or slab door depends on a few factors, including personal preference, the condition of the current door frame and budget.

When to Choose a Prehung Door

• If the existing door frame is warped or damaged and cannot be replaced with a slab. 

• If you’re doing major remodeling which involves changing the door frames, prehung doors can save you time and effort. 

• The complete frame and door package makes it simple to install in new wall openings. 

• If you want a hassle-free door installation process, prehung doors are a perfect option.
• Prehung exterior doors are often equipped with built-in thresholds and weatherstripping making them ideal for entryways.

When to Choose a Slab Door

• Slab doors are a good option if the existing door frame is in good condition and doesn’t need to be replaced.

• They are perfect for design-focused projects. Slab doors allow smooth customization with specific hardware, finishes, or design elements, providing flexibility.

• Slab doors are a cost effective solution for upgrading a room’s aesthetics without making structural changes. They require less materials and are affordable.

• Slab doors are simple to handle and move because they don’t have the extra weight of a frame. This door can be convenient if you handle the installation yourself and frequently move the door.

• For those looking for a clean and simple style, slab doors provide a sleek appearance. Their plain surfaces and absence of attached frames make them suitable for modern or contemporary designs.

FAQs

What is the difference between a prehung door and a regular door?

A prehung door includes the frame, hinges, and sometimes pre-cut holes for the hardware, which makes it an entire unit. A standard door, or slab door, consists only of the door panel and requires separate installation of the frame and hardware.

What are the disadvantages of prehung doors?

Prehung doors are heavier, more expensive, and might be difficult to manage. They also come in limited sizes, are heavy and weigh between 50 and 100 pounds.

How do I know if I need a prehung door?

A prehung door may be needed if you are replacing both the door and the frame, or if your old frame is damaged. They are also ideal for new construction or large renovations. Prehung doors are also the ideal option for exterior doors  because they have weatherproofing features.

Are prehung doors easier to install?

Prehung doors are often easier to install than slab doors because the frame and hardware are attached. To avoid alignment problems when installing the door make sure that the frame is perfectly level.

What is the advantage of a prehung door?

A prehung door is easy to install because it comes with everything you need—door, frame, hinges and sometimes pre-drilled holes for hardware. This saves time and ensures a good fit. It’s perfect for new construction or replacing a damaged frame.

Does a prehung door include the frame?

Yes, a prehung door comes with the frame. The door and hinges are already attached and it often has pre-drilled holes for the handles, making it simple and easy to install.

Can you hang a prehung door in an existing frame?

No, you can’t. A prehung door is designed to replace both the door and frame, so the existing frame must be removed. If you want to retain the current frame, use a slab door instead.

Conclusion 

Choosing between a prehung door and a slab door boils down to your needs and DIY skills. Prehung doors are convenient and easy to install, while slab doors offer more customization. Understanding these differences helps you make the best choice for your home improvement project. Happy renovating!

Still have questions regarding the best type of door for your project? Contact Mannlee, and we will review your needs in more detail to determine whether a slab door or a prehung door would be a perfect option.