How To Install an Internal Door
Are you considering replacing an old, worn-out internal door in your home or office? Or are you planning to install an attractive new white internal door to upgrade the look of your living space? If you’re looking for information on how to fit an internal door, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about installing an internal door. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions and explain the tools and materials you’ll need, so you can easily fit your new white internal door in no time.
Can you fit a door yourself?
Before diving into the installation process, it's important to consider if fitting an internal door is a job that you can take on yourself. While it may seem straightforward, installing a door requires some level of skill and experience. Doors can be heavy, particularly those made of solid oak. Additionally, fire doors are even heavier and may require another person to handle them correctly.
Tool checklist -
A power drill
A set of chisels
Phillips or a Pozi drive screwdriver
a spirit level
a saw to trim the door if needed
However, if you have experience in DIY and feel confident in your abilities, our guide will provide you with all the steps you need to fit your Beesley & Fildes interior door, whether it's an oak veneer door, oak door, oak internal door, oak veneer internal door, oak interior door, 4-panel internal door, 6-panel internal door, or oak glazed internal door.
How long should it take to fit an internal door?
Assuming that you're starting with a clear opening and don't need to remove an old door first, you should be able to fit a new internal door in around two hours. This includes measuring and trimming the door to size, adding hinges, temporarily hanging the door to check the fit, adding handles, and finishing the door.
If you're new to DIY, it's worth allowing yourself a bit of extra time to make sure you get everything right. It's better to take your time and get the job done properly than rush and risk making mistakes that could be costly to fix later on.
In general, though, fitting an internal door is a task that can be tackled over the course of an afternoon or weekend. With the right tools and approach, you can enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done - and the knowledge that your home has a stylish and functional new door to show for it!
Getting started
Installing an internal door can be a challenging but rewarding DIY project. Before starting, make sure you have the necessary tools and materials: a hammer, saw, drill with screwdriver bit, screws, hinges, level, and measuring tape. It can also be helpful to have someone to assist you with the job, especially when handling the weight of the door.
Before installing the new door, you need to remove the existing one. To do this, carefully unscrew the hinges while supporting the weight of the door. Once you have removed the old door, take a look at the doorframe to assess for any damage or warping that needs to be repaired. This is also the best time to inspect the doorframe to ensure that it's compatible with the new door.
If your new door is glazed, it's essential to leave any protective paint & peel in place on the glass until painting or staining is completed. This will prevent damage or scratches to the glass surface while you're working on other aspects of the door.
Fitting an internal door can take several hours, so it's essential to be patient and take your time. Precision is crucial when fitting a door, and small mistakes can lead to major issues with the door's functionality.
Lastly, you'll need to measure the new door before starting the installation process. To do this, measure the height and width of the doorframe at two points: the top and bottom. Record the smallest measurement to ensure that your new door fits securely within the frame.
With the proper preparation, you're now ready to begin installing your new internal door. Remember to take your time, measure twice, and double-check your work to ensure that your door fits correctly and functions smoothly.
Measuring your door
Measuring your door may seem like a simple task, but it is important to get it right to ensure a successful installation. Follow these steps to ensure your door is measured accurately.
You’ll need to measure the height and width of your door frame. Measure from the top of the door frame to the floor for the height, both on the left and the right of the frame and for the width you will need to measure at the top of the frame and at the bottom. This measurement will be your door size.
However, it’s important to remember that the actual size of your door will need to be slightly smaller than the door frame to ensure it fits properly. There should be approximately 3 mm of clearance between the door and the surrounding door lining. This clearance will make sure your door opens and closes smoothly and won't stick or rub against the frame. Next, measure the gap between the bottom edge of the door and the floor. This gap depends on your floor covering and whether or not you have threshold strips fitted. The gap should be between 5-10 mm. This will prevent your door from scraping against the floor when opening or closing.
Once you have taken all your measurements, make sure to double-check them. It’s important to have accurate measurements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free installation.
Remember, a properly fitted internal door can add value and style to your home. By following these steps, you can ensure that your door is measured correctly and fitted successfully.
Trimming your door
Trimming your door may be necessary if the door frame has shifted over time. This process involves removing a small amount of material from the edges of the door to make it fit properly within the frame. It's important to take exact measurements to ensure that you don't trim too much off the door. In general, it's recommended that you take about 3mm off for clearance.
To begin trimming your door, you'll need a plane and some sandpaper. Start at the outer edge of the door and work inwards. Make sure that you take off equal amounts of material from both sides of the door to keep it balanced.
It's important to note that different doors have different trimming allowances. Consult with the manufacturer's instructions to determine how much you can safely remove from the door. Additionally, make sure that you chamfer the hinge edge when checking the fit. This will ensure that the door doesn't rub against the frame when it's closed.
To see a visual representation of the trimming process, check out this helpful video
.
Remember, take your time when trimming your door to ensure that you achieve the best fit possible. With patience and attention to detail, you'll have a perfectly fitted internal door in no time!
Adding your hinges
Once you have trimmed your door to size, it’s time to add your hinges. It’s important to note that three hinges are recommended to hang your door properly. This will ensure that the weight of the door is evenly distributed, preventing any potential warping or sagging over time.
If your old door had only two hinges, it’s best to position the third hinge centrally between the top and bottom hinges. To do this, mark the position of the hinges on the door and lining, ensuring that they line up with each other.
If the existing hinge cut-outs are untidy or the wrong size for your new hinges, you can add a small piece of timber to the cut-outs to create a solid base for your new hinges.
Once you have marked the position of the hinges, you’ll need to cut out the hinge recesses on the edge of the door using a chisel. Remember to measure the thickness of your hinges and adjust the depth of your cuts accordingly.
After you’ve created the hinge recesses, you’ll need to pre-drill all screw holes in the hinges before fitting them to the door. It’s essential to get the hinges perfectly level to ensure that the door opens and closes smoothly.
Next, you’ll need to fit the latch to the door. The latch position should not be installed adjacent to the door mid-rails where the joint may be compromised. Determine the existing latch position on the door in order to line it up with the correct spot for the new one. Finally, align your door handles with the latch and screw them into place. Ensure that the handles are level, so the door opens and closes without sticking or rubbing against the frame.
Once you’ve fitted the hinges, latch, and handles, you’re almost there! The next step is to temporarily hang the door to check that everything is aligned correctly before finishing it off.
Temporary hanging of the door
Now that your internal door has been trimmed and hinges have been added, it’s time to temporarily hang the door. This step is essential to ensure that the door fits perfectly before making the final installation. It’s also the perfect time to install handles and locks.
To begin, you will need to place the door into the opening so that it sits in a 90-degree angle against the frame. This step may require a helping hand to ensure that the door is secure and stable. Once in place, you will need to add screws to the top and bottom latches to hold the door in place temporarily.
Before fully installing the door, it’s important to check that it swings freely and that there is no interference with the door frame. This can be done by opening and closing the door several times while it’s still temporarily hung.
Once you have ensured that the door is hanging correctly and swings freely, it’s time to install the handles. Handles should be installed at a comfortable height, such that they're easy to use. It should also be on both sides of the door for convenience.At this point, your door is temporarily hung and handles have been added. However, it’s important to note that this is only a temporary installation. You should only fully install the door once it’s fully finished with no exposed edges and all ironmongery, including locks, latches, and hinges, are securely fitted.
Adding your handles
Once you’ve ensured that your door is hanging correctly and securely, it’s time to add your handles. Firstly, mark out where the handles and latch will sit on the door with a pencil. Use a spirit level to make sure they are straight.
Next, use the instructions provided with your handles to guide you on how to attach them to the door. It’s essential to ensure that the handles are properly aligned, as this will impact how easy they are to use and how good they look once fitted. If your door handles come with a template, use this to ensure accuracy.
Finally, attach the latch plate to the door frame and ensure that the latch is engaging correctly when the door is closed. You don't want to force the door open or shut, so ensure it moves smoothly. Once you’re happy with the placement of the handles and the functionality of the latch, you’re all done!
Fitting internal doors may take a bit of time and effort, but the result is worth it. Installing a new door can completely transform a room, making it feel brighter, more modern and ultimately more inviting. Whether you’re replacing an old, worn-out door or upgrading to a new design, these steps will help you get the job done efficiently and effectively.
Finishing your door
Now that you've successfully hung your internal door, it's important to finish it properly. This is the step that will really bring out the beauty of your new door and ensure its longevity. Follow these simple steps to finish your door:
1. Remove all hardware and take the door down from its hinges.
2. Lightly sand the door to create a smooth surface. Be sure to remove any dirt or debris from the surface.
3. Apply a suitable finishing product according to the instructions provided. This could be paint, stain, or varnish depending on the material of your door. Be sure to treat the top and bottom of the door, as well as hardware cut-outs and the door faces and edges.
4. Let the door dry completely before rehanging it. Refit the hardware only once the final finishing coat has dried.
5. Once the finishing coat has dried, your door is ready to be rehung.
Remember to pay attention to the specific finishing instructions printed on the door label within its packaging.
With these simple steps, you can ensure that your internal door will look great and function properly for years to come. Congratulations on successfully installing your new door!
