How To Hang A Door

How to Hang a Door: A Step-by-Step Guide

Watch a professional carpenter hang a door in our helpful video guide, then follow the step-by-step instructions below.

This guide covers the tools needed for hanging a door in an existing frame, along with advice on how to fit a door stop and butt hinges.

Make sure you have the right tools for the job before you begin.

List of tools needed for hanging a door

How to hang a door step one taking measurements

Measure the door thickness using a set square.
Mark the full frame with a pencil.
Use the pencil lines as a guide and attach the door stop.
With the door stop in place, measure the opening on the left and right, then at the top and bottom.

How to hang a door step two cutting the door to size

Lay the new door flat on a trestle table.
Remove the packaging.
Using the measurements from Step 1, mark the left, right, top and bottom edges of the door.
Remove the excess material with a circular saw.
Offer the door up to the frame to check whether any further material needs removing.
Use an electric plane to remove any remaining excess.

How to hang a door step three installing the hinges

Mark where the hinges will sit on the door.
Tip: As a general guide, install the top hinge 6 inches down from the top of the door and the bottom hinge 9 inches up from the bottom.
Use a sharp craft knife to trace around the butt hinge.
Set the router to the correct depth and remove timber from the upper and lower hinge positions.
Tip: A router will leave rounded corners, but these can be squared off using a hammer and chisel.
Screw the hinges to the door, remembering to pre-drill the holes first.
Offer the door up to the opening and mark where the hinges will sit on the door surround.
Use a craft knife and router to mark and cut the hinge recesses in the frame.
Square off the corners with a hammer and chisel, then pre-drill the screw holes.