HOW TO HANG A DOOR - GUIDELINES
Installing a solid door requires accuracy, preparation, and a clear understanding of how the door interacts with the frame. Proper measuring, trimming, and hinge positioning are essential to ensure a smooth, long-lasting operation.
The following guidelines outline the recommended steps for assessing the squareness of the door frame, preparing the door to fit correctly, and installing hinges so the door swings freely and closes effortlessly.
While these instructions provide a reliable process for professional-quality installation, variations in site conditions and workmanship may affect results. Installers should always apply best practices and professional judgement when fitting our solid doors.
- To determine whether the door-frame opening is square and how much needs to be trimmed from the door, measure the diagonals of the frame. Ideally, there should be a maximum clearance of 5 mm at the bottom of the door and 3 mm on the other three sides. To reduce the width of the door, remove equal amounts—up to 5 mm—from each side, and up to 10 mm from the top and 15 mm from the bottom. Always trim equal amounts from the top and bottom.
- If hinges are not already fitted to the door frame, they should be installed approximately 180 mm from both the top and bottom of the frame before any measuring or marking is done.
- Place the trimmed door into the opening and wedge it securely in position at both the top and bottom.
- Mark the hinge positions on the door edge using the hinge locations on the frame as a guide. Remove the door and extend the markings over the edges before scoring.
- Score the hinge outlines with a chisel.
- Cut the recesses into both the door and the frame, ensuring the hinge sits flush with the door edge. Mark and drill the screw holes.
- Cut the hinge recesses slightly deeper on the inside of the frame so the hinge does not fully close when the door is shut. The thickness of the hinge leaves at the knuckle and the recess depth should match. The knuckle should protrude from both the frame and the door. Use a marking gauge to ensure consistent depth for each hinge. If the hinges are not set evenly, the door will not swing freely and will require time-consuming adjustment. If the door does not close easily, the hinges require further adjustment.
- Once the hinges have been correctly positioned, they can be fully tightened. The above instructions are intended as a general guideline only. As manufacturers, we cannot be held responsible for how doors are installed and maintained.