How to Install Internal Doors
Whether you're installing an internal door for the first time, or are an experienced builder, you'll need to know the right steps to ensure the door is secure.
This article will cover the steps to installing a door in the right way, including how to align the hinges with the cut-outs in the frame, and how to hang the door on the right side of the frame.
Let's dive in.
Trim the edge of the door
Whether you have an interior or exterior door, it's a good idea to trim the edge for an updated look. This will allow you to close gaps in your door that are not well sealed. In addition, it will give you better thermal insulation.
The trick to trimming your door is to make sure that you're not taking too much off the edge. In many cases, it's not necessary to shave a lot off of the door. Instead, it's a good idea to take time to get it right. A small mistake can lead to structural damage or a door that's too short.
Several different woodworking tools are available to trim your door. Some of these include a hand plane, power planer and circular saw. Using these tools correctly will result in smooth edges and a smooth finish.
To make the best use of a hand plane, you must first mark your door. A pencil or ruler can be used as a guide. You'll want to mark the length of your door, as well as the height. You can also use a straight edge to draw a line.
A good circular saw or panel saw will help you cut the shortest distance between the mark and the door's bottom edge. If you're using a panel saw, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
A hand plane can be used to trim the edge of your door. The tool is especially useful for removing thin veneers. Make sure that you're using a proper blade. You don't want to tear out your blade by accident.
A power planer is also an excellent option for trimming the edge of your door. In addition, it can also be used to cut off a leading edge, which is a clever way to cut a line onto your door.
Align the hinges with the cut outs for the hinge plates on the frame
Whether you're installing new hinges or you need to fix hinges, it's important to properly align the hinges with the cut outs for the hinge plates on the frame of internal doors. There are a number of reasons that hinges may not be properly aligned. These include:
Misalignment can occur due to loose hinge screws or hinges being installed too far apart. You can easily correct this by adjusting the hinges to be more centrally located within the frame.
If the hinges are installed too far apart, you can either remove the hinge plate and drill pilot holes, or you can remove the hinges and replace them with new hinges. This will require you to cut a portion of the door out to make room for the new hinge. If you're installing hinges at home, you can set them in place by using a screwdriver.
Alternatively, you can use wood putty or toothpicks to fill the hole in the door. Make sure to stain or paint the putty to match the door. When the putty dries, it should be smooth and flush with the door.
When you install the hinges, you should also make sure that they are flush with the door surface. If they are not, you can trim them to close the gap. If you have a heavy door, you may need to install a third hinge.
Once the hinges are in place, you should install the hinge cups into the mortises. The cups should be recessed into 35mm-diameter holes. You can use a self-centering drill bit to ensure that the cups are inset correctly.
The bottom hinge should be installed at least seven inches from the top of the door frame. The middle hinge should be installed at least 11 inches from the bottom of the door frame.
Install the handle and lock on the correct side of the door
Putting the handle and lock on the correct side of your internal doors will help maintain the overall structural integrity of your home. You might want to consider installing a face plate in front of your entryway doors, as well.
Putting a door handle and lock on the wrong side of your doors is a no-no, as is installing a door that does not latch properly. The best way to accomplish this task is to drill a hole into the side of your door and install the handle and lock on the proper side. A good tip is to make sure you sand the area before you do this, as this will ensure you get a smooth finish.
A small and unobtrusive drill bit will allow you to install the handle and lock on the proper side of your doors without the need to disassemble them. The small hole will also make for a less frustrating installation. Keeping the door on the correct side of your door will prevent damage to the door itself as well as ensure you get a smooth finish. The above mentioned process should only take a few minutes to complete. The handle and lock should be positioned a half inch above the surface of your door. You may want to consider installing a face plate in the front and rear of your entryway doors as well.
Prevent the door from sticking
Getting internal doors stuck is a common problem. The causes of sticking doors are varied, but there are some basic solutions to help you get them moving. Before trying to fix the problem, you need to figure out the cause. Depending on the cause, you will need to perform different steps to fix the problem.
The first step to fixing a sticking door is to examine the door. This is a quick and easy way to find out the problem. You should open the door and shut it several times to determine where the problem is. Then you can inspect the door for rubbing, indents, or other signs of a stuck door.
If your door is stuck at the latch edge, you can easily fix this problem by removing the door. If your door is stuck at the top of the door, you can fix it by removing the hinges and screws.
Another way to fix a stuck door is to clean the door and hinges. You can do this by applying a lubricant, such as petroleum jelly or household lubricant spray, to the area. This will help the door slide easier.
Another way to fix a sticky door is by removing the paint buildup. If the paint is thick, it will prevent the door from closing properly.
Another cause of sticking doors is the settlement of the house. If your house is settling, you may find that the joints in the door construction are sticking against the door jamb. Changing the house's humidity level or setting up a dehumidifier can help reduce this problem.
Door sticking can also be caused by loose hinge screws. Tighten the screws slightly before putting the door back into place. If the screws are too loose, you can fix the problem by replacing them with new screws.