How to Install an Interior Door
If you’re the sort of person who likes carrying out your own home DIY projects, installing an interior door should be a welcome challenge. It’s a task of medium difficulty, requiring only a few tools and materials. Experts and intermediates should have no problem at all, but beginner DIY enthusiasts should read on for the best instructions on how to install an interior door.
Purchasing the Right Door
Your first step should be to measure the size of the opening into which you intend to situate a door. These measurements will then inform you door purchasing decisions. If shopping online, some stores will actually allow you to search by door size – very handy if you are dealing with an opening of irregular size. Don’t forget, the door should always be approximately 2” smaller than the opening, to allow for a frame and any adjustments after hanging. Some doors can be purchased with accessories but if not, head over to the Handle Store to find a wide selection.
Attaching the Brackets
Begin by drawing a ‘plumb line’ on the wall. This is a line which is perfectly perpendicular to the floor, which should be drawn half an inch in from the opening on the side where the hinges will sit. You should have six brackets; three for each side of the door frame. One hinge should sit 8” from the top, another 8” from the bottom, and the last will sit in the centre.
Hanging the Door
When hanging a door, you can make the task easier by supporting its weight on wedges. This will also help to ensure that there is a perfect gap between the door and floor – no more than ½ inch. Make sure the hinge side is on the right side then, when the door has been placed into the opening, begin by screwing the brackets into the door. The gap between the door and the frame, known as the ‘reveal’, should be of the same width all the way down the full length of the door.
What Tools You Will Need
This simple job requires the use of only a few straightforward tools, which can be sourced from any reputable tool or homewares shop. You will need a screwdriver set and perhaps an electric drill as well. You will also need a tape measure, and you may find that sandpaper comes in handy if you decide to purchase an untreated interior door.
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