There are many installation options, depending on the approach of the wizard and the tool at hand. We will consider one of the simplest methods without the use of special equipment, which is available to everyone. If you want to cut the chaos, you can order ready-to-go prehung interior doors from online store.
But if you can’t afford them, be patient and strictly follow our step-by-step instructions.
1. Prepare tools and materials
- Door leaf and frame
- Plat band and additional slats
- Universal butterfly loops, handle, and lock
- Saw, screwdriver, and drill
- Pencil, awl, and knife
- Chisel and hammer
- Level, tape measure, and wedges
- Screws, nails, polyurethane foam
2. Dismantle the old door
If you are inserting a new door rather than replacing the old one, proceed to the next step. Remove the canvas from the hinges, and disassemble the door frame. Clear the opening of the remnants of plaster and other debris.
3. Choose the size of the new canvas
This is necessary so that you do not have to fiddle with narrowing or, conversely, expanding the opening. Standard door sizes are 2 m high and 60, 70, 80, or 90 cm wide. Double doors are usually combined from two canvases. For example, 120 cm is 60 + 60.
Since the canvas is installed in the door frame, and even with gaps for mounting foam, the opening should be slightly larger. As a rule, by 8-10 cm. This includes the thickness of the frame and all the necessary clearances.
4. Decide on the side of the opening and hanging
If the canvas is installed flush with the wall in the corridor, then it will open into the passage. If with a wall in the room, then the door will swing open there. Think about what is more convenient, and consider this moment.
To open to the right, the hinges must be hung on the right side, and to open to the left, on the left. In order not to be mistaken, stand in front of the door and imagine that you are opening it for yourself. If it is with glass, then the matte side should be directed to the corridor, and the glossy side should be directed to the room.
5. Unpack the door
Remove the packaging with your hands or carefully open the film with a knife. Cut not on the front, but on the back surface, so as not to damage the coating. Leave one of the side cardboards: it will serve as a lining and protect the end of the canvas from scratches during operation.
6. Hang hinges
If you are installing a door for the first time, it is better to use butterfly hinges. They are universal and suitable for both right and left hitch. But most importantly: they do not need to be embedded in a box, which is very convenient for non-professionals.
7. Embed the lock
Turn the canvas over so that the hinges are on the floor, and the opposite side, where the lock will stand, is at the top. Correctly position the lock – in the center of the door. The square hole for the handle should be at the top, and the beveled part of the latch should be directed towards closing. If necessary, the tongue can be easily turned over by simply pulling with your fingers. Install the lock in place and secure it with screws, having previously drilled holes for them.
8. Assemble the door frame
Arrange the side tracks of the door frame along the edges of the canvas so as not to confuse. They should be facing a quarter towards the hinge of the door. That is, you should see seals. Fold the frame strips together, align the edges and fasten them with screws. Pre-make holes for the screws and screw two pieces into each rack. Use box cuts for precise markings.
9. Hang the canvas on the door frame
Lay the door frame on the floor and carefully place the canvas into it. Place pieces of fiberboard 3 mm thick around the perimeter to form the same gap. Align the top of the hinge with the mark on the frame and mark the centers of the screw holes with an awl. Screw in the screws, having previously drilled holes for fasteners. Repeat the procedure for the second loop and secure it.
