There's something deeply satisfying about hanging a door yourself. I remember the first time I attempted it – standing in my hallway with a spirit level in one hand and a growing sense of panic in the other. But here's the thing: installing an internal door isn't nearly as daunting as it first appears, and with the right guidance, you'll have that door swinging smoothly in no time.
Beyond the obvious cost savings (professional installation can run £150-300 per door), there's genuine pride in completing this project yourself. Plus, once you've mastered the technique, you'll find yourself eyeing every squeaky hinge and ill-fitting door in your home with newfound confidence.
Let's be honest about tools – you don't need a workshop that would make Nick Knowles jealous. Here's what's genuinely essential:
I cannot stress this enough – measure your door frame opening carefully. Height, width, and crucially, check if it's actually square. British homes, particularly older ones, have a charming tendency towards wonky frames. Use your spirit level to check vertical and horizontal alignment.
Most doors come slightly oversized, which is actually helpful. Mark where you need to trim, remembering to leave a 2-3mm gap around all edges. When cutting, use a sharp saw and take your time – rushed cuts show, and doors aren't cheap to replace.
Standard practice is three hinges for internal doors: one 150mm from the top, one 250mm from the bottom, and one dead centre. Hold the door in position (this is where a helpful family member earns their tea) and mark the hinge positions on both door and frame.
This is where patience pays dividends. Use your chisel to carefully cut recesses for the hinges. The depth should match your hinge thickness exactly – too shallow and the door won't close properly, too deep and you'll have gaps that would embarrass a professional joiner.
Attach the hinges to the door first, then offer it up to the frame. Don't be disheartened if it doesn't fit perfectly immediately – this is where those wood shims become invaluable for fine adjustments.
Door handles typically sit 1000mm from the floor, but check your existing doors for consistency. Mark the position, drill your holes (use a spade bit for clean cuts), and remember – measure twice, drill once. There's no coming back from a wonky handle hole.
The door sticks: Usually means you haven't left enough clearance. A few passes with sandpaper on the tight spots should sort this.
Gaps around the frame: Perfectly normal in older properties. Architrave will cover most sins, and a bit of decorators' caulk works wonders for smaller gaps.
The door won't stay closed: Check your strike plate alignment. Sometimes a small adjustment here saves hours of hinge fiddling.
Your first door installation might take a Saturday afternoon and involve some choice language. Your second will be quicker. By your third, you'll be offering advice to neighbours and wondering why you ever paid someone else to do this.
Remember, even professional joiners started somewhere, and every wonky first attempt is a learning experience. The satisfaction of a perfectly hung door – one that closes with that satisfying 'click' and swings smoothly on its hinges – is worth every moment of initial frustration.
So grab your tools, put the kettle on for regular tea breaks, and transform your home one door at a time. You've got this.
