A cheap hollow-core door can be replaced with the right tools and know-how.Failing to do it correctly can result in gaps in the spaces around the door or a door that won't even open.If you follow the instructions, you will be able to hang your new door correctly.
Step 1: The door should be removed.
The old door needs to be removed before anything else.If you don't want to reuse the old hinges, you'll need to remove the door from the hinges.Remove the pins that hold the hinges together if you want to reuse them later.This will allow you to remove the door but not the hinges.Work your way down from the top hinge.Remove the hinge parts from the door.If the pin won't come out easily, gently tap it from below with a hammer and screwdriver.
Step 2: Take a look at the door opening.
Measure the inside edge of the door opening and saddle board using a measuring tape.Measure the high side of the doorway if there is a transition between different types of flooring and the floor is of two different heights.You may find it easier to measure the door if it was a good fit.
Step 3: You can purchase a door.
You can find a door that is close to your opening by looking at it.You don't need to worry about the door being the right size because you will be trimming it.
Step 4: The door needs to be marked.
To apply the measurements evenly on both sides of the door, use a pencil.The process should be repeated for the top and bottom.If all the trimming is done on one side, the door may look wider on the other side.A good rule of thumb is to allow a 2mm gap on the two sides and top and 8mm between the saddle board and the bottom of the door.You can "dry fit" the door if you think it's already a perfect fit.Except that the large gap will be at the top, it should fit.
Step 5: Put the door down.
To prevent the wood from splintering, score your pencil marks with a utility knife.Then, use a circular saw to cut the wood, using a straightedge to guide the saw.It is possible to reduce splintering by placing tape over the cut line.If you want to remove less than 3/16 of an inch, use a hand plane.The door needs to hit the stop at two to three degrees to clear the jamb.
Step 6: If the door doesn't fit, check it.
If the door fits, put it in the frame.There should be a gap of 2mm around the sides and top and 8mm on the bottom.To check the top and bottom, you can sit the door on the floor.The gap between the top and bottom should be 10mm.Further planing is required if the door does not meet the requirements.
Step 7: The frame is marked by the hinge positions.
If using new hinges, make sure they fit in the places where the old hinges were.If they don't, mark the door frame along the top of the hinge and rest them so the bottom lines up.To widen your hinge mortises, chisel out the additional space.
Step 8: Remove the hinges on the door.
If the old door was a good fit, the easiest way to do this is to put a new door on top of it.Transfer the locations of the old door's hinges to the new door with a utility knife.The pull side of the door has the hinge on it.The hinges on the old door should be the same as the new one.If the old door isn't a good fit or is too different in size from the new door, place it in the frame and use the shims around the edges to fix it.To mark the door where the hinges will need to be made, use the mortises in the frame.You can mark the latch-hole at this point for easier installation of the doorknob if you use this method.
Step 9: Cut the hinges with a saw.
The door should be supported by a protective pad on the floor.Once you have reached the required thickness, carefully remove the surplus wood from the door.To outline the edges of the mortise, hold the chisel vertically and tap it with a hammer.Then, make a series of cuts that are close to the thickness of the hinge.The chisel should be held at a low angle with its face flat against the wood and lightly tapped with the hammer.
Step 10: Make holes for your lock and door handle.
The technique described above can be used to create a mortise around the door.Attach your door handle and lock with the help of a drill.The process will vary depending on the door you are installing.Follow the instructions on the door handle.
Step 11: Attach the hinges.
To make starting divots for the screws, set the hinge into the mortise and use and centering punch.Attach the hinges to the door and make sure the screw heads are flush.You can attach one side of the door to the hinge if you take it apart.Proceed to the next step if you attach the other side of the hinge.You should skip step two of the next section.
Step 12: Remove the pins from the knuckles and replace them with new ones.
If you already have half of the hinge affixed to the door frame and you want to put the pins back in place, you need to interlace the knuckles of both sides.If you have an assistant who can replace the pins, this will be much easier.If the door is swinging smoothly, you should check it.Proceed to the final step if that is the case.
Step 13: The door needs to be screwed on the frame.
Support the door at a right angle to the frame is the next step if your hinges don't come apart.To get the proper height for the hinges to line up with the frame mortises, place the shims beneath it.You can screw the hinges to the frame if the holes on the new hinge line up with the ones used to mount the old door.If that's the case, you'll need to punch a hole in the frame.It's a good idea to only drive with one screw.You can check to see if the door swings easily.If that is the case, drive in the other screws.Remove the screws and adjust the hinges if necessary.
Step 14: Fit the handles and lock.
It is time to install your lock and door handle if your door is swinging easily.Depending on the door handle you choose, this process will vary.Refer to the instructions that came with the door.