About this Project

A door that swings easily on neatly installed hinges is the hallmark of a good carpenter. Hanging a door is not an easy job, but if you have patience, take things step by step, and pay attention to details, you can learn how to install a door that swings freely and shuts firmly.

If you are replacing an old door that was damaged, chances are good that the door opening is not square. Cutting the door to fit will be the first and most difficult task. If the old door fit well, use it as a template. Simply remove the old hardware, lay it on top of your new door, and trace for trimming. If the old door did not fit well, have a helper hold the new door in place while you shim it into final position. Carefully scribe the cut lines. If the door jamb is damaged and must be replaced, try to square the opening when you install the new jamb. Or, install a prehung door (see Installing Prehung Doors, Related Projects).

There is a strict order to hanging doors. First hang the door and make sure it swings freely and closes tightly against the door stop. Next install the lockset. Finally cut the hole for and install the strike plate.