Alright, folks, let’s talk about hanging some interior doors. I recently tackled a project involving 6-panel prehung interior doors, and let me tell you, it was a learning experience. I thought I’d share my journey, bumps and all, so maybe you can avoid some of my mistakes.
Getting Started: Picking the Right Door
First things first, I measured the rough opening. Gotta make sure the door fits! I took measurements of the width, height, and the jamb depth, you know the thickness of the wall. Writing everything down, cause I have a memory like a sieve.
Then came the fun part – picking the door. I went with a classic 6-panel design, prehung because, honestly, I’m not a carpenter, and prehung doors save time and potential headaches. They come with the frame already attached, hinges and all, very comfortable.
The Prep Work: My Least Favorite Part
Before I could even think about putting the door in, I had to make sure the rough opening was, well, ready. I checked if it was plumb and level. A wonky opening means a wonky door, and nobody wants that. I used a long level and a smaller one. Used some shims, those little wooden wedges, and then tapped them into the gaps.
Hanging the Door: The Moment of Truth
This is where it got real. With the help of my trusty neighbor (thanks, Bob!), we lifted the prehung door into the opening. It’s heavier than it looks, so an extra pair of hands is a must.
Then started a dance of shimming. I placed shims behind the hinge-side jamb, making sure it was perfectly plumb. This is crucial. I used a level constantly, checking and re-checking. Once I was happy with the hinge side, I nailed it in place through the shims. I made sure the nail heads were just below the surface, so I could fill them in later.
Next, I moved to the latch-side jamb. More shimming, more leveling. The key here is to make sure the gap, or reveal, between the door and the frame is consistent all the way around. Too tight, and the door will stick. Too loose, and it’ll look sloppy. I kept adjusting the shims until I had that perfect, even gap.
Once I was satisfied, I nailed the latch-side jamb in place, again through the shims.
Finishing Touches: Making it Pretty
With the door securely in place, I installed the door knob and latch hardware. Pretty straightforward, just following the instructions that came with the set.
Then came the trim. I measured and cut the casing (the decorative molding that goes around the door frame) at 45-degree angles. My miter saw came in handy here. Then, I nailed the casing to the frame, covering up those shims and nail holes.
Finally, I filled in all the nail holes with wood filler, let it dry, and then sanded everything smooth. A little caulk around the edges of the trim, a couple of coats of paint, and bam! New door, looking good.
It wasn’t a perfect process, I’ll admit. There was some frustration, some re-doing, and definitely some learning along the way. But in the end, I got it done, and that’s what matters. Hopefully, my little adventure can help you out if you’re tackling a similar project. Good luck!