How to Hang a Door: Expert Guide for Perfect Installation

Hanging a door correctly is essential for functionality, aesthetics, and security. And it’s not as difficult as you think! Whether you're replacing an old door or fitting a new one, this expert guide will show you how to hang a door perfectly the first time.

Preparation and Tools Needed

Firstly, gather all the necessary tools and materials, from door hinges to shims. Before you can hang the door, you will need to prepare the frame and the door edges. A well-prepared workspace will make the process smoother and more efficient.

Essential Door Hanging Tools

• Tape measure
• Spirit level
• Pencil and marking gauge
• Chisel and hammer
• Hand saw or circular saw
• Power drill and appropriate drill bits
• Screwdriver
• Plane (manual or electric)
• Hinges, screws, door handle, and latch
• Shims or packers

Measuring and Marking Guidelines

Measure the height and width of the door frame and compare it to the door size. Next, mark the hinge positions on both the door and frame. Use a square and a level to ensure accuracy.

Door Frame Preparation

Knowing how to hang a door begins with door frame preparation, ensuring the door fits properly and operates smoothly. It involves checking the frame square and level. You’ll also have to ensure there is a small gap of 2-3mm at the top and sides of the door frame.

Make sure the door frame is clean and free of debris. For plastered walls, ensure any lumps stuck to the frame are removed. If you are fitting a door to an old door frame, sand the frame to ensure it is nice and smooth.

Checking Frame Square and Level

Checking the frame square and level involves three steps:

1. Use a spirit level to check both the vertical (plumb) and horizontal (level) alignment of the frame.
2. Measure diagonally across the frame from both corners to check the frame’s squareness. Both measurements should be equal and if not, you’ll have to make adjustments.
3. Check the door’s opening width and height at the top, middle and bottom to ensure that the width and height are consistent across the door frame.

Adjusting Frame Problems

The secret to success lies in understanding how to hang a door with a perfectly aligned frame. Check for these issues. If needed, adjust accordingly: 

• If the vertical alignment is out, adjust by adding shims or packers behind the frame or adjusting the frame.
• If the top or bottom of the frame is not level, add or adjust packers or shims at the base or the top of the frame to correct this.
• If the frame is out of square, move one side of the frame slightly inwards or outwards and use shims to adjust the frame until both diagonals are equal.
• If the width or height is inconsistent, trim or plane the top or bottom of the frame.

Installing Door Stops

Several types of door stoppers are commonly used to prevent damage to walls, skirting boards, and doors, including sliding doors. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types. Plus, learn how to easily install them:

1. Wall-Mounted Door Stoppers

Wall-mounted door stoppers are fixed to the wall where the door handle would usually make contact, preventing damage.

Installation:

• Choose the position by marking the spot on the wall where the door handle meets when fully opened.
• Drill a pilot hole if using screws for easy insertion.
• Fix the stopper using screws or adhesive, depending on the model.

2. Floor-Mounted Door Stoppers

Floor-mounted door stoppers are installed on the floor to stop the door from swinging too far.

Installation:

• Mark the position where the door needs to stop.
• Drill a hole into the floor if screwing it down ensuring it aligns with the threshold.
• Secure the stopper with screws or adhesive to fix it in place.

3. Spring Door Stoppers

Mounted on the skirting board, these flexible stoppers absorb impact and prevent wall damage.

Installation:

• Position the stopper by marking the spot on the skirting board, ensuring it aligns with the door.
• Screw in place using a screwdriver to attach it securely to the skirting.

Fitting the Door

To fit a door for a new installation, start by ensuring the frame is square, level and plumb. Check the door’s dimensions to ensure it fits the opening, allowing for a small gap on all sides for clearance. Place the door in the frame and mark the hinge positions.

How to Mark Hinge Positions

Place the door within the frame and mark the hinge positions 150mm from the top and 230mm from the bottom. Use a carpenter’s square to align the hinge on the edge of the door and trace around it to mark the outline of the hinge. Transfer the hinge mark to the door frame in the same position.

Cutting Hinge Recesses

After outlining the hinge on the door’s edge, use a chisel and hammer to carefully carve recesses to the depth of the hinge plate. Remove small amounts of wood at a time, gradually deepening the recess to the depth of the hinge. Test the fit by placing the hinge in the recess and ensuring it sits flush with the door surface.

Door Edge Preparation

Start by ensuring the door is the right size for the opening. In some cases, you may have to trim the top or bottom edge of the door using a circular saw, a hand saw or a plane. Smooth the edge with sandpaper to remove any rough spots or splinters.

Installing Door Hardware

Door hardware includes door hinges, handles and locks. To install door hardware, first mark the positions for the handle, lock and any other components on the door and frame. Use a drill to create holes for the latch, handle, and any screws.

For a lockset, ensure the holes align properly with the lock’s mechanism. Attach the latch plate to the door frame and secure the handle and lock on the door, tightening the screws. Test the hardware to ensure it operates smoothly.

Mounting Door Hinges Correctly

It’s important to mount door hinges correctly for the door to open and close smoothly. Do this by securing the hinges to the door first, then attaching them to the frame. You should also use pilot holes to prevent splitting the wood.

Handle and Lock Installation

Mark the positions for the handle and the lockset on both the door edge and the frame. Drill holes for the handle and latch mechanism and install the latch mechanism on the door edge. Then, secure it with screws.

Assemble the lockset by attaching both interior and exterior handles or knobs to the door. Align the latch mechanism with the hole in the door edge and secure the hardware with screws. Finally, mark the location for the strike plate and install it on the door frame.

Final Adjustments

When installing a new door, some final adjustments are needed to ensure it operates smoothly and securely. These may include testing the lock and handle, checking for a consistent gap between the door and the frame and ensuring the door swings smoothly. It can also include installing weatherstripping and paint touchups.

Fixing Door Gaps

Check the clearance around the door. If needed, trim the edges slightly. Then, adjust hinge screws or use shims to align the door correctly.

Testing Door Swing and Closure

Open and close the door multiple times to ensure smooth operation. Make final tweaks to hinges and the latch if necessary. If the door sticks use a plane or sandpaper to remove small amounts of material from the door’s edge.

Get Your Door Hardware from Decor and Decor

Now that you know how to hang a door, all you need is some top-quality door and door hardware. Browse our extensive selection for everything you need to hang your doors expertly, from sliding door kits to quality hinges. Contact us if you need expert advice.

FAQs

Should I hang the door before or after laying flooring?

Always hang the door after flooring installation. This will ensure the correct clearance and a flush fit with thresholds. It also ensures the door frame is protected from damage during flooring installation.

How much clearance should I leave between the door and frame?

Aim for 2-3mm clearance on the sides and top. If there’s no carpet, aim for 6-10mm at the bottom. For thick carpets, increase clearance to 15-20mm.

What's the minimum number of people needed to hang a door safely?

Ideally, two people working together. One to hold the door and the other to secure it in place. This will ensure safe door installation.