How to Install Flat-Hinged Doors

Position the door so it's standing on its front edge, with the back edge facing up at you. Lay one plate of the first flat hinge on the edge, 6 to 8 inches from the end. The second plate of the hinge should be hanging over the side that will face the interior side of the door, with the hinge pin on the edge between them.

Trace a line around the plate that's on the door, using your pencil. Take off the plate. Cut around the line with your utility knife, to a depth of about 1/8 inch, then carve out the area with your hammer and chisel so the entire marked area is 1/8 inch down.

Set the hinge plate back on the door. It should be set entirely into the wood, so the surface of the plate and the wood of the door are at the same level. Sink hinge screws through each screw hole to secure it, using a screw gun.

Set the remaining two hinges in the same manner, at the middle and bottom of the door.

Hold the door in the opening as it will be once it's mounted. Lift the secured plates of the hinges (which were hanging over the sides of the door before) against the door jamb. Trace around the perimeter of each plate with a pencil.

Move the door aside. Cut and chisel out the marked areas on the jamb as before. Set the door back in the opening. Secure the hinge plates to the jamb with hinge screws.