Preparing to install a new interior or exterior door? Don't jump into the fray unprepared! To ensure your installation goes swimmingly, read through these six common mistakes to avoid when installing a door and learn what to do instead.

Measuring Incorrectly

There are some things you can reliably guesstimate, but doors aren't one of them. Correct measurements are crucial to achieve a proper fit. To get the measurements you need, take a tape measure and record the length, width, and thickness of your door and the dimensions of the door frame. For prehung doors that come with a frame, pry off the original framework and measure the entire opening.

Using the Wrong Screws

This is another common mistake to avoid when installing a door. Ensure that the hinge screws you're using are the correct size. If you use screws that are the wrong size, the hinges won't be able to hold the weight of your door. This can lead to problems such as scraping.

You also need to take care when screwing the screws in because the more you tighten them, the more tension you add to the material. Too much tension can eventually cause the material to warp.

Overtrimming

Even if you double-checked your measurements, there's a chance your new door will fit a little too snugly. It's hard to measure down to the exact millimeter, after all.

If your door is too big, you can trim it down to make it fit. But many people tend to overtrim their doors, which can make them fit too loosely. Only trim a small amount at a time and proceed with caution and care.

Hanging Upside Down

Your first reaction might be, "This is a silly mistake. I could never mess up like that!" But it happens more often than you'd think! Doors tend to look the same both right and wrong side up, with the main difference being the placement of certain features like the knobs and panels. If you're not paying attention, you could easily install an inverted door. Before you commit to your placement, make sure everything is where it should be.

Using the Wrong Tools

You don't need a ton of tools to install a door, but you definitely need more than just a drill and screwdriver. For most door installation jobs, you'll need the following:

• Drill
• Saw
• Planer
• Screwdriver
• Hammer
• Utility knife
• Chisel
• Tape measure
• Clamps
• Shims
• Hinges
• Knobs

And these are just some of the basic tools you'll need!

DIYing

To be more specific, DIYing unprepared is the big mistake you need to avoid. DIYing isn't as easy as it's made out to be, so make sure you understand what you're getting into before you DIY a door installation. Installing a door isn't too tricky, but if you’re not able to put in the time and labor required, it may be better to hire a professional for the job.

With SBMTX, getting the stunning, functional doors you need for your home is affordable and easy. We have surplus doors for sale in various materials and styles. Our prehung options are a breeze to install, so you won't have to fret over making the mistakes above. Shop with us today!