Step 1

Before you begin to hang your door, it's important that you acclimatise your door in your home following the guidelines above, especially when using timber doors, as by its nature, wood can expand or contract, depending on its environment.

We advise that you check with the instructions of your door manufacturer before proceeding with this project. Before we start, ensure you have removed your old door. You will need someone to assist you with this, as the door can be heavy to manoeuvre.

Step 2

Stand your new door up in the doorway to cross check the measurements and see if it needs trimming. This will allow the door to fit the frame exactly. If it does require trimming, use a pencil to mark the top of the door opening onto the new door. Then, lie your door flat onto a workbench, and secure with clamps.

Measure the distance that you need trimming from the height of your door. With that measurement, divide it equally across the bottom and top of the door. You'll then need to add an additional 3mm to both ends, as this will allow for clearance.

We advise that you also take into consideration the thickness of your carpet when doing these calculations. Then measure and, using a pencil, mark out your cutting lines onto your door.

Step 3

You will now need to cut the excess away using a plane to carefully cut in a perfectly straight line.

Doors have a trimming allowance, so you must ensure you cut within the stated limits. For most doors, it's around 6mm off each edge, but fire doors have much smaller (or no) trimming allowances. If you need to trim more than the allowance, the door is the wrong size for the frame.

You can now place your door in the frame to see if the sizing is correct. If it doesn't fit the frame, you will need to hold the door, so one side is in position and then mark the overhanging distance onto the door.

Step 4

Repeating the process again, mark the sides of the door and measure your excess. Using that measurement divide it equally between both sides of the door, then add 3mm onto both sides, allowing for clearance.

For example, if your excess was 4mm, you would divide that equally on both sides, which leaves you with 2mm. Then you would add your clearance (+ 3mm). This would leave you with a total of 5mm each side.

You'll then need to draw your cutting guidelines, and remove the excess, using a plane or saw. Don't forget to keep your lines perfectly straight. It's also a good idea to seal any trimmed edges (especially on veneered or fire doors) as this can help avoid any moisture creeping in.

Step 5

It's now time to place the door into the frame. You will need someone to help you with this step, as the door weight can be heavy to manage. Place small wedges around the door, which will lift it into place.

Ensure there is a consistent 2 to 3mm gap between the door and the frame, and around 8 to 10mm at the bottom depending on the material and thickness of the flooring.

Step 6

When the door is aligned correctly, you will need to take your pencil to mark out the current door fittings (hinges), in place on your frame. Take the door out of position and lay flat. You'll need to take your new hinges and position them using the markings you have just made.

If you haven't got any old hinges already in place to use as a guide, check the manufacturer's fitting instructions for where they should be positioned. The hinges should be at the top, middle, and bottom of the door.

Place each individual hinge, and carefully draw an outline around each one onto the door. You will need to measure the thickness of your hinge plate. Place the hinge onto its side and mark a line of the same thickness onto the edge of the door.

Step 7

Using your outline of your hinge, take a sharp chisel and cut carefully around the edges. Using a 45-degree angle, position the chisel to the door. Use the pencil mark as your guide and start to make small cuts, every 5mm. Make sure that the depth of these cuts matches the depth of your hinge plate.

Now, turn the flat side of the chisel downwards towards the door, use a hammer to tap down, and chisel out the marked hinge area you have just been working on. This will leave room for your hinge plate to sit.

Place your hinges back into the correct position on your door. Using the holes, predrill your holes using a drill. This will stop the wood from splitting when you add the screws. Once drilled, take the screws provided and carefully screw the hinge plate into place.

Step 8

Ask someone to help you to move the door into position, as if the door was open to a 90-degree angle. Once correctly positioned, add a screw through the lowest hole of the top hinge plate and secure into position using a drill.

Repeat this process, this time fixing the bottom hinge plate in place. Add a screw through the bottom hole of the hinge plate and secure into place. Finally, drill a final screw into the top hole of the upper hinge.

Step 9

Before you add more screws into your frame, you will need to check that the door opens and closes without catching. If you find that your door hanging does catch, you will need to mark the area of the door and make any necessary adjustments.

If the adjustment required is minimal, try sanding the door down with sandpaper or use a plane.

Step 10

If your door opens without any issues, you should now proceed with any finishing touches, such as paintwork or cut-outs for your handles.

Once done, continue with screwing the remaining screws to secure the door into the frame.