If you want to replace an old door, fitting an internal door isn’t as difficult as it might seem. If you have the confidence to use tools such as a saw and chisel, then this is a DIY project you can likely take on yourself. The key to a quick and simple door installation is accuracy. Here's how to hang an internal door.
Tools you will need
- Tape measure
- Sharp pencil
- Hand saw
- Clamps
- Sandpaper
- 25mm (1") chisel
- Hammer or wooden mallet
- Drill (wired or cordless)
- Drill bit
- Workbench
- Wooden wedges
- Internal door
- 2–3 suitable door hinges
- Screws
- Hammer and nails
Measuring for a new door
If you have a frame with no door, measure the inside of the frame, including the height and width. The height should be measured at two points, left and right, while the width should be measured at three points, top, middle and bottom.
Measure existing doors
Measure any existing doors in place so you can use them as an accurate reference when ordering new ones. Note that installing new hinges requires removing any existing hinges, so this is important.
Choosing the right door
You’ll need to choose the right door for your requirements. If you’re unsure which door is right for you, use your measurements to check out our range of internal doors by size for inspiration.
Our selection of internal doors by size
- 2040 x 826mm (80.25" x 32.5")
- 2040 x 726mm (80.25" x 28.5")
- 2040 x 626mm (80.25" x 24.6")
- 2040 x 526mm (80.25" x 20.7")
- 78" x 18" (1981 x 457mm)
- 78" x 21" (1981 x 533mm)
- 78" x 27" (1981 x 686mm)
- 2100 x 920mm (82.75" x 36.25")
- 78" x 33" (1981 x 838mm)
Don’t see a size here that suits? Ask our experts on Live Chat and they’ll be able to assist you. Alternatively, take your measurements to one of our branches and tell a member of the team you need an internal door for your space. They’ll be happy to help.
How to fit your new internal door
Step 1: Remove the old door
First, check any instructions that may come with your new door to see if there are any special requirements.
Next, remove the old door from its frame. To do this, knock out the hinge pins from the hinges and then lift the old door out of the frame. You may need the help of a second person for this.
If the hinge pin is tight and hard to remove, gently knock it out using a hammer and a nail with a flattened tip.
Top tip: Make sure you have removed any nails sticking out of the frame and sand down any splinters or sharp edges.
Step 2: Check if the door needs trimming
Stand the new door up in the doorway to check whether it needs trimming. If it does, use a pencil to mark the top of the door opening onto the new door.
Step 3: Trim the door
Secure the door to your workbench using clamps. Cut off any excess wood from the bottom of the door.
You’ll need a hand saw, clamps, circular saw and sandpaper for this step.
Step 4: Trim the width
After you have measured and trimmed the height of your new door, transfer the width measurement of your door frame onto the door.
Using a tape measure and pencil, mark the door and then use a planer to remove the excess from the width. Once the excess has been removed, sand the edges of the door.
Step 5: Mark the hinges
Using a wedge, mark the hinge positions. Place the door on the door frame and use the wedges to support it.
On the door, mark the locations of the bottom, middle and top hinges. Following the marks you have made, mark the hinge positions on the side of the door and specify the hinge depth.
Step 6: Fit the hinges
Chisel around the outline of the hinge. You’ll need a drill, drill bits, chisel, hammer and screwdriver.
Top tip: To prevent splitting, cut at 5mm intervals. To remove excess material, use the chisel flat down.
Once the hinge positions have been marked, drill the pilot holes and attach the hinges to the door.
Step 7: Attach the door to the frame
While holding the door against the door frame using the wedge supports, or with assistance, screw the middle bolt into each hinge.
If the door fits correctly, add the remaining screws.
Next steps and finishing touches
Now that your new door is in place, you may want to carry out some finishing touches, such as painting the door or making cut-outs for handles or latches.
We hope you have found this guide helpful and that it has given you the confidence to fit your own door. Good luck!
