How to Make Up the Gap When Installing a Door

Find the gap between the floor and door using a tape measure.

Insert the tip of the flathead screwdriver into the bottom of each hinge knuckle, and use it to push the pins out of the hinge. Remove both pins and set them aside.

Find the door width using the tape measure.

Select a piece of filler wood or composite wood with a similar look or grain pattern.

Cut the filler piece the same width as the door, and 1/2- to 1-inch shorter than the gap between the door and floor. Use a circular or wood saw to cut the filler piece.

Predrill four pilot holes through the length of the filler piece with an electric drill.

Bead yellow wood glue or polyurethane adhesive on the top of the filler piece. Then stick the filler piece to the bottom of the door.

Drive screws through the bottom of the filler pilot holes, and into the bottom of the door. The screws must be 1/2- to 1-inch longer than the length of the filler piece in order to reach the bottom of the door.

Align the hinge knuckles on the door and frame. Then reinsert the frame. Open and close the door in the frame to verify that the filler piece is not too long or too short. If too long, shave the filler piece down. If too short, remove the filler and replace it with a longer piece.

Remove the pin from the hinge knuckle again and lay the door on a flat surface. Paint or stain the filler piece to match the rest of the door. To paint, apply one coat of primer with a paint brush, allow it to dry, then apply a coat of paint. To stain, wipe matching stain on the filler with a cloth. Allow each coat of stain to dry before applying a second coat.

Align the hinge knuckles on the door and frame again, and reinsert the pin.