• Looking for a smarter way to manage your heating this winter? We’ve been testing the new Aqara Radiator Thermostat W600 to see how quiet, accurate and easy it is to use around the home. Click here read our review.

Cutting and hanging internal doors a DIY job?

Joined
5 Dec 2012
Messages
1,005
Reaction score
15
Country
United Kingdom
As the title suggests, is it easy enough to cut and hang internal doors for a DIYer? I’m competent but never install an internal door before?

If I proceed, do I simply measure my current door height and width, and order the size that’s closest to this?

Looking at these doors


Thanks
 
As the title suggests, is it easy enough to cut and hang internal doors for a DIYer? I’m competent but never install an internal door before?

If I proceed, do I simply measure my current door height and width, and order the size that’s closest to this?

Looking at these doors


Thanks
It can be done by a competent diyer, however, the results will not be great on first door.
Do you have a palm router?
Without it, prepare yourself for some swearing.
 
It can be done by a competent diyer, however, the results will not be great on first door.
Do you have a palm router?
Without it, prepare yourself for some swearing.
No, I was going to look into tools… probably worth getting a joiner in if it sounds like a hassle?

What’s the going rate these days to install a door and ironmongery?
 
I do have a palm router
In that case, go for it.
Don't buy super expensive doors because you might mess it up.
Plenty of videos online.
My advice, watch a few of them to see the various tricks and then take your time.
Also, measure the doors in store because as it happens, some are not the size they claim to be and a few mm make a big difference.
 
As the title suggests, is it easy enough to cut and hang internal doors for a DIYer? I’m competent but never install an internal door before?

Not easy, but perfectly doable if you take your time and think it through before doing anything.
and order the size that’s closest to this?

Obviously, the door needs to begin life a little larger than the frame height and width, but there is a limit on where and how much can be trimmed from the top and sides - that needs to be checked, before purchase.

I replaced all of my 7 internal doors, a few years ago. I'm not a carpenter. I used an electric saw, a saw-board, electric plane, hammers, chisels and screwdrivers. It took me a couple of days or so.
 
Last edited:
is it easy enough to cut and hang internal doors for a DIYer?

Some doors are much heavier than others. A second pair of hands can be useful.

How straight the frame is, and how close it is to the standard door size, are considerations.

A door lifter (e.g. Toolstation 88729) is useful, or improvise something similar.

A traditional hand plane is fine if you only need to trim a couple of mm.
 
Some doors are much heavier than others. A second pair of hands can be useful.

How straight the frame is, and how close it is to the standard door size, are considerations.

A door lifter (e.g. Toolstation 88729) is useful, or improvise something similar.

A traditional hand plane is fine if you only need to trim a couple of mm.
I think it actually takes a bit of skill to use a hand plane I gave up years ago after buying an electric one.
 
Yes it can be a DIY job, and you don't need a lot of tools - of course, there's an element of it depending on your skills and tools to hand.
I only do the rebates (hinges & latch) with a chisel. And I only use a hand plane - plus a circular saw and guide rail to take the bulk off first. The last door I did went into a decidedly not straight or square opening - which for good measure is an awkward size.

I find the hardest thing is supporting the door while working on it - there's tips about how to make simple jigs for that.
 
I built 2 door holders out of wood so I could slot the door in and work on it cutting in hinges and door catches or trimming.
This drawing show what I mean the blue uprights were covered with that green laminate floor underlay foam and the door slid in as a tight fit, I made 2 so there was one each end.
1758396370716.png
 

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.


Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

 
Back
Top