All Mr. Handyman franchises are locally owned and operated and may offer fewer or more services than those listed here. To learn more about the interior door installation and replacement services offered in your area, contact your local Mr. Handyman for details or a customized on-site assessment.

Interior Door Installation and Replacement FAQs

Mr. Handyman has been helping homeowners repair, maintain, and enhance their spaces for over 25 years! We are the one-stop solution for everything on your to-do list. This includes answering your questions about home repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about interior door installation and replacement.

Can I install an interior door by myself?

Yes, you can do an interior door installation on your own, especially if you’re using a prehung door. However, there are some factors you’ll need to consider. For example, take extra care when adding the shim and ensuring the door is level. It will be a lot easier if you have another pair of helping hands.

You’ll also need all the proper tools and materials to install the door, including nails, a hammer, level, wood putty, sealer, and possibly a drill, circular saw, and screwdriver. If you’re new to doing projects on your own or haven’t done a lot of large-scale installations, consider hiring a professional.

How hard is it to install an interior door?

Installing a prehung door can be a simple project because the door comes assembled already on a frame, and it’s much easier than doing a door installation from scratch. If you have a standard rough opening and some DIY experience, you should be able to finish this project.

If you’re installing a slab door, it’ll be a little bit more complicated. You’ll have to fit it into an existing frame, so you’ll have to measure, cut the recesses, and trim for the right height or width. This requires more precision and care, and making the wrong measurement or cut will make it impossible to install the door.

Also, consider the condition of your existing door frame. If it’s in good condition and already level, it could be a quick project. If the frame is warped, you’ll have to adjust the shims first, making it even more challenging.

Does an interior door need a frame?

No, it’s possible to do an interior door installation without a door frame, especially if you’re installing a prehung door. A prehung door comes with the frame and hinges already attached, but a slab door is a standalone unit, and it’ll need to be installed to an interior door frame.

When you’re installing a slab door, you have to create the openings for the hinges and handles, and you also need to install a separate door frame if there isn’t one already there. It requires more effort and attention to detail, so installing a door without a pre-existing door frame allows for more customization.

Can interior doors be repaired instead of replaced?

Yes, you can repair an interior door, and most issues can be fixed without needing to do a total interior door replacement. If you notice the door is sticking or is misaligned, then it could be due to humidity changes, loose hinges, or warped wood. You can fix this by tightening or adjusting the hinges and using sandpaper or a planer to remove some of the wood where the door was sticking.

If you notice any minor scratches in your wooden door, you can fill it in with putty or wood filler. Then, sand the area to make it level with the rest of the door and stain it to match the color of the door.

On the other hand, when the door is sagging or doesn’t close properly, you may need to tighten the hinges. You can use longer screws that reach farther into the door frame to provide more support for your door as it opens and closes.

How do I repair a hole in a hollow core door?

Remove any splinters or debris, and fill in the hole with expanding foam. Once the foam has dried, carefully trim excess foam so it sits slightly below the door’s surface. If it’s a larger hole, you can cut a piece of cardboard to put inside the door as backing for the filler.

Next, you should apply a layer of filler or putty over the area and smooth it so it’s level with the door’s surface. After it’s dried, sand it down with fine-grit sandpaper. Once it’s smooth, apply paint or stain to match the color of the door.