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Posted on Fri, Jun 3, 2011 : 5:55 a.m.

How to hang a prehung door - and don't forget to 'measure twice, cut once'

By Keith A. Paul

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Photo by: HandyPro

Hi Keith,

I’m finishing my basement and don’t have the budget to hire a contractor to install my doors. I have completed most of the framing and want to install the interior pre-hung doors myself. Can you walk me through the process?

— Mike S., DexterHi Mike,

With the unstable real estate market, more homeowners are completing home improvement projects themselves. Congratulations! I believe you’ll have a sense of pride and self-accomplishment that comes from completing the work yourself — and it’s kind of fun.

One of the most important phrases in our industry is “measure twice and cut once.” This principle applies when installing a pre-hung door.

Before the installation, ensure the rough framing is two inches larger than the size of the door. For example, if your door is 32 inches wide with a 6-foot-8-inch door height, the rough opening should be 34 inches wide and 6-feet-10-inches high. This will allow for door frame adjustments and proper leveling.

Next, make certain the door framing is plumb or perfectly level (vertically and horizontally), also known as “square.” The side and top of the door frame should intersect at a 90-degree angle. This step will help ensure door will open and close properly.

Next, measure and cut the bottom of the door jamb — the framing in which the door attaches — to the correct height.

Put the door into place. There will be a little space between the rough framing and the door jam. This is by design. Then insert wood shims, or wedges around the spaces in the door approximately two feet apart for support and proper alignment. Test the door and verify that it opens and closes properly.

After confirming the door is plumb, secure the door by screwing or nailing through the jam, shims and rough framing for proper support. Cut the exposed part of the shims to ensure they will be not be seen after installation.

Your next step is to install the door trim or casing. Cut the top piece first by measuring the distance of the top of the inside of the door frame and adding half an inch to your measurement which will leave a quarter-inch reveal on both sides.

Be sure your miter cuts between the top and sides are extremely tight. This will give you an expert finish look. If you happen to have a little space between the miter cuts, you can use caulk to hide the gap. (Caulk is a handyman’s best friend, next to duct tape).

The last tip would be when fastening the casing, nail approximately every two feet, then stagger the nails on the inside and outside wooden face of the casing. This will give you a tight finished seal. Caulk the nail heads and any visible seam lines, and you’re ready for paint.

Next, install the door handle of your choice, sit back, relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Paul is a State of Michigan Licensed Builder. Paul serves as president and founding member of nationally franchised HandyPro Handyman Service, servicing Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland counties. www.handypro.com. Listen to Paul every Saturday at 11 a.m. on “It’s Your Home, Let’s Talk About It” WAAM Talk 1600AM. Email questions or comments to kpaul@handypro.com.