How to Install an Interior Door

This How To Project will show you step-by-step how to replace an existing door or add one to an existing door way. Doors come in a variety of styles and sizes so you'll want to choose one that matches your room decor.

Purchasing a pre-hung door provides the best solution in adding or replacing an existing one. Pre-hung implies that the door you purchase is already mounted on the frame. This simplifies the installation and ensures your door will operate properly. The new door frame needs to be slightly smaller than the door opening so that you can make slight adjustments to level off the frame.

Materials and Tools:

Pre-hung door
Chisel
Hammer
Measuring tape
Pry Bar
Wooden shims
Level
#8 Finishing Nails
#6 Finishing Nails

Step1:
Remove old door if you are replacing it and then proceed to remove the molding. Using a chisel, carefully pry the molding away from the wall enough so that you can fit a pry bar under it. Finish removing molding with pry bar and block of wood against the wall for leverage.

Step2:
Remove side and top jambs using pry bar.

Step3:
Slide the new door into the opening after deciding which way you want the door to open.

Step4:
This is the most important step. You need to shim the jamb plumb to make it level and straight. Start by slipping shims under the side jamb until the head jamb is level. Next insert shims between the side jambs and studs to fill in spaces between them. Make sure the shims are even with the wall. Check one more time to make sure head jamb is still level.

Step5:
Drive #8 finishing nails through door frame, shim and stud. Use two finishing nails per shim. Before you finish nailing make sure door opens and closes to your satisfaction.

Step6:
Nail the trim to the jamb and studs using #6 finishing nails.