Installing an Interior/Exterior Door: DIY Guide
Swapping a pre-hung door is a very manageable DIY project — the main skill is getting the frame plumb and level.
DIY-Friendly
A pre-hung door replacement (frame included) is straightforward for someone comfortable with a level and a drill. Cutting a brand-new rough opening into a wall is a bigger structural step best left to a pro.
Skill Level
Intermediate
Time Required
2–4 hours per door
Physical Demands
Lifting the door unit into place, moderate
Step-by-Step
- 1
Remove the old door and frame
Pry off trim, remove hinge pins, then pull the old jamb free of the rough opening.
- 2
Check the rough opening
Confirm it's square and matches your new pre-hung door's dimensions before proceeding.
- 3
Set the new pre-hung unit
Place it in the opening, shim at the hinge side first, and check plumb with a level before securing.
- 4
Secure with shims and screws
Shim behind each hinge and the strike plate, then drive screws through the jamb into the framing.
⚠ Skipping shims behind the strike plate is the most common cause of a door that won't latch properly.
- 5
Install trim/casing
Nail trim around the frame, caulk gaps, and fill nail holes.
Tools & Materials
Tools
- Level (4 ft)Buy
- ShimsBuy
- Drill/driverYou likely own
- Pry barYou likely own
- Miter saw (for trim)Rent — $30–$50/day
Materials
- Pre-hung door unit
- Shims
- Trim/casing
- Caulk
- Finish nails
When to Call a Pro Instead
- • Creating a brand-new opening (no existing door there) — that's structural framing work
- • Exterior doors requiring flashing integration with siding — improper flashing causes water damage
Safety Warnings
- • Get a second person to help lift and hold exterior doors while shimming — they're heavy and awkward alone
FAQ
Can I install a door myself?
Yes — replacing a pre-hung door in an existing opening is a manageable DIY project. The key skill is getting the frame plumb and level, which determines whether the door will swing and latch properly.