How to Get the Hinges to Lay Flush in a Door Frame

Measure from the top of the door frame down 5 inches and make a mark. This will be where the top of the top hinge will rest. Measure 10 inches up from the bottom of the door frame. This is where the bottom of the bottom hinge will rest.

Divide the distance between the two marks in half. Make a mark on the door frame at this measurement. This is where the center of the center hinge will sit.

Place the top hinge at the top mark. Secure the hinge to the door frame with the supplied screws. Place the tip of a utility knife blade against the edge of the hinge.

Trace around the hinge with the blade. Use multiple strokes to achieve the appropriate depth. The cut should be approximately as deep as the hinge plate is thick. Unscrew the screws holding the hinge to the door frame and remove the hinge.

Place the beveled edge of a 1/2-inch wood chisel face down. Rest the tip of the wood chisel in the center of the traced hinge area. Tap the back of the wood chisel with a hammer to push the chisel through the wood to remove it. Work from the center out. Remove only enough wood for the hinge to rest flush with the surface of the door frame.

Place the hinge into the chiseled out area on the door frame. If the hinge is sitting flat, secure the hinge to the door frame with the supplied screws. If the hinge is not flush with the surface of the door, remove the hinge and chisel away another layer of wood.

Place the center hinge on the center mark on the door frame. Repeat Steps 4 through 6. Do the same with the bottom hinge.