Whether you are replacing an existing door or hanging a door in a new frame, the instructions below will guide you -step by step- through the process .

 

Preparation

  1. Place the new door against the door frame to establish the correct fit. If the door is too large, using a pencil, mark any overlaps. These will need to be cut. When cutting, remember to cut equal amounts from each side, likewise from the top and bottom. This is particularly relevant when cutting a panelled door so as to keep the panels central. Using a plane, smooth any rough edges.
    With the door fitted in the frame, there should be a gap of approximately 2mm, all around the edge door.

Fitting hinges

Utilizing existing hinges

If you are replacing an existing door, you may wish to use the existing hinge recesses in the door frame.

  1. Position and support the door within the frame, at an angle as if the door was open (inserting a thin wedge under the door may make this easier).
  2. Using a pencil, mark on the door, the top and bottom of the hinge recesses.

 

Fitting new Hinges

  1. The hinge positions need to be marked on both the door and door frame. Positions should be marked 6 inches from the top of the door and frame and 8 inches from the bottom of the door and frame.

 

Once the positions have been marked, it is time to fit the hinges and hang the door.

  1. Carefully chisel out the recesses on the door and doorframe (if required) sanding any rough parts.

  2. Make pilot holes for the screws (to avoid splitting the wood)

  3. Ensure the hinges fit well and lay flat within the recess

  4. Position and support the door within the doorframe.

  5. Fix the hinges to the door using one screw in each hinge.

  6. Open and close the door to ensure it fits correctly. If it doesn’t, slight adjustments can be made by repositioning the hinge within the frame. Continue adjusting and fixing hinges until the door opens and closes smoothly.

  7. Finally fix the remaining screws and your door is ready for its fittings to be attached.
With the correct tools and a few hours of your time, this is a relatively easy job to complete. Measurements have to be precise and chiselling must be accurate to achieve a well fitted door, so do not rush!

Why not try and save some cash by refurbishing your old door? Have you taken the hardboard panels off your old door to check if there’s an original panelled door underneath? Do you have a solid panelled door with layer upon layer of gloss paint? Time permitting, these can be restored by stripping the paint manually, using a heat gun or blow torch and a selection of shaped scrappers. It is a tedious job but the end result can be amazing.

Likewise, old hinges can be treated with a commercial paint remover, gel is probably the best option, being thicker than the liquid it doesn’t run as much. Using a brush you simply paint on the gel, leave for the specified time then scrub off using a wire brush. Clean the hinges and they are ready to fit.