How to Hang a New Wood Passage or Entry Door

Measure and Mortise for Butt Hinges Unlike Prehung Models

Jan 19, 2009

There are several reasons to install a new wood interior or entry door. The old one may have been damaged by dry rot or the homeowner may be upgrading to a custom model.

There's no trick to installing a prehung door, which is what most are today. But preparing and hanging just the door in a pre-existing frame or jamb takes a few more steps and tools. Even so, this DIY project is within the reach of handy homeowners.

Verify the New Door's Size

Chances are that the new one is sized correctly, but as with all finish carpentry, always double check. The most common door heights are 6' 6" ( 78" ) and 6' 8" ( 80" ). The most common widths are 2'6", 2'8", and 3'0".

There should be a certain leeway between the edges and the frame to allow it to swing freely. A safe gap is 3/8” from the bottom to the finish floor and 1/8” on both sides and on the top. A block plane may be used to trim small amounts, working from the center to the edges to avoid chipping.

If the bottom needs any appreciable wood cut off, use a Festool or DeWalt track saw if possible. Otherwise, a circular saw may be used with a straightedge clamped on to the door to guide the cut.

Install the Butt Hinges on the Door

Go with the location of the existing mortises on the jamb (if replacing the door). With a new jamb, the top hinge should be 7” from the top and the bottom one 10” from the bottom. Fire-rated doors are heavier by design and need an additional hinge 5” below the top one.

A butt hinge is typically recessed the thickness of the hinge leaf. A butt marker is a tool that has a depth gauge built into its handle. Run it along the edge of the door or jamb to make a cut mark at the correct depth. A butt marker is made for a specific size hinge.

Run it along the edge with a marker. A pencil will work, but a penknife or scratch awl gives a much sharper line to follow. Use a wood chisel to cut out the mortise. Pre-drill the screw holes and mount the hinges.

Install the Butt Hinges on the Frame

With existing frame mortises, it's a simple matter to cut out any remaining wood if using new hinges. Stand the door in the If re-using the old hinges they should already fit. Simply pull the pins and attach the hinge leaves.

Position the door so that the leaves mate properly and insert the pins. Check for proper swing and mount any additional door hardware.

The copyright of the article How to Hang a New Wood Passage or Entry Door in Home Interiors is owned by Kelly Smith. Permission to republish How to Hang a New Wood Passage or Entry Door in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.