How to Install and Repair Doors

Repair the Door

• 1

  Check for side-to-side play in the door. This may indicate that one or more of the hinges is loose. Quite often this will happen when hinges are installed with screws that are too short and ultimately work their way out of the door frame. If this is the case, simply remove the loose screws and replace them with longer ones that will catch the stud behind the door frame.

• 2

  Examine the top and both sides of the door. If the space between the door and the frame is uneven, it is possible that the door is sagging or that the floor is out of level. In this case remove the door from the hinges and lay it flat across two saw horses. Mark a line 1/2 inch up from the bottom of the door and place a strip of masking tape just above the line to keep the cut from splintering. Using a circular saw, carefully and slowly cut along the line to remove a 1/2-inch strip from the bottom of the door. Sand off any rough pieces and rehang the door on the hinges.

• 3

  Close the door and observe the latching of the handle. If the door does not latch when it is closed, a simple handle adjustment may be all that is necessary. Carefully place some lipstick on the door latch and close the door. Open the door again and note the path of lipstick left on the door frame. Adjust the alignment of the knob and/or latch slightly and repeat until the door latches.

Replace the Door

• 4

  Replace the door if the door itself is damaged or the listed repairs do not work, but the door frame is still in good condition. Home improvement stores will sell what are called "slab doors," or doors without frames and hardware. These will typically have the hole precut for the knob. Measure the width of the old door and purchase a new slab door of the same size.

• 5

  Remove all the screws from the hinges and take the door out of the frame. Take care to hold the door steady to prevent it from falling out of the frame.

• 6

  Lay the new door on top of the old door and mark the location of the hinges and screw hole locations. Drill small pilot holes for the hinge screws.

• 7

  Hold the new door vertically in place in the open position, with assistance, and screw the hinges to the door using the pilot holes. Check to see that the door opens and closes properly and that it latches. If anything is out of alignment, make a slight adjustment and test again.

Replace the Door and Frame

• 8

  Remove the door casing on both sides of the door frame and cut through the nails holding the door frame to the studs using a reciprocating saw. Have someone assist in holding the door and door frame in place so it does not fall when the nails are cut.

• 9

  Select a prehung door that is the same size as the previously installed door. With assistance, stand the door up in the opening and check for level. Adjust as needed, holding the entire frame in place with shims. When the door is properly positioned, drive a nail through the frame at the location of the shims.

• 10

  Check for proper operation of the door and adjust as needed. When everything is operating properly, reinstall the door casing and touch up any paint or stain.