A door installation project seems like it can take a significant amount of time to complete. Now, you might be wondering if the work ahead will take an entire day to finish. So how long will it take to remove and install a door? We asked the experts to give you the estimated time of completion for this task.
It should take about 5 to 6 hours to complete an exterior door installation project, which should include the removal of an old door. Replacement for an interior door should take less time on average since that project will not have some steps associated with exterior door substitutions.
Keep in mind that door installations can take a longer or shorter amount of time, depending on certain factors. For instance, if you’re quite new to DIY projects and you’re working on this process alone, hanging a door might take longer to finish. Keep reading as we tackle the nuances associated with door installations. In turn, you’ll find out the projected period to complete your door installation project.
How Long Does It Take To Replace A Door?
The time required to complete a door replacement project depends on certain factors. For instance, it takes about 5 to 6 hours on average to replace an exterior door.
On the other hand, swapping an interior door should take slightly less time since this task often doesn’t require steps like caulking, flashing, and weatherproofing.
Can I Hang A Door Myself?
Hanging a door by yourself is achievable, particularly when working with a common hinged door made of fiberglass or wood. Achieve this feat by reading the following guide:
What You’ll Need
- Door slab
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Hand saw
- Pen, pencil, or marker
- Wood wedges
- Plane
- Mallet
- Drill
- Chisel
- New door hinges and screws (optional)
Step-By-Step Guide
- If an old door exists, remove it first. Make sure that you have the necessary strength to lift the door by yourself. Otherwise, call for help from another individual, at least for this one step.
- Set the hardware aside. These items may include hinges, screws, and wood wedges.
- The old doorway can become a guide by laying it on top of the new door. Then, use a marking tool like a pen or pencil to outline the new door using the old unit.
- If you’re working with a blank frame, measure the open space in the door’s casing. Then, provide a 0.08-inch allowance as you draw the measurements on your new door.
- Cut the door to size using a hand saw. Make sure to cut as close to the marked line as possible. Finish this step by using a plane.
- Mark positions on the frame for the door hinges.
- Measure the thickness of the hinges and mark the depth on the door’s face. Use a chisel and mallet to cut the marked areas to form recesses.
- Drill pilot holes on the chiseled locations for the screws. Screw the hinges into each flap afterward.
- Lift the door and hang it on the door frame.
- Keep the doorway open throughout this step to have a clear view when screwing the hinges to the frame. Ensure that each screw head is flush to allow the door to open and close smoothly.
- Test the door by opening and closing it.
Take note that not every type of door will follow the same steps mentioned above. For example, learn about the steps to install a sliding pantry door by reading this post: How To Install Sliding Pantry Doors?
Is It Difficult To Install A Door?
The difficulty level of installing a door depends on different factors. Still, the DIY project should be relatively easy to accomplish by an individual, provided that person has an adequate understanding of how to do this job.
Door installations can also be quite easy if the new doorway fits the frame. Otherwise, modifications are due to the new door, such as cutting it to size. If you’re dealing with a fiberglass unit, read this post to learn how to cut it properly: Can You Cut A Fiberglass Door?
What Do You Need To Install A Door?
Each door installation job may require a different set of materials and tools to complete with as minimal mistakes as possible. Still, the following items should be in your toolkit to ensure that the setup runs and finishes smoothly:
- Caulk
- Drill bits
- Drill or drill driver
- Hammer
- Pry bar
- Putty knife
- Hand or reciprocating saw
- Tape measure
- Level
- Safety equipment (e.g., glasses, gloves, and hearing protection)
Aside from the items mentioned above, other items that you may need are polyurethane caulk, wood shims or scraps, and minimum expanding foam. You may also need items to develop and install a door frame if the procedure insists upon those objects.
Check out this product on Amazon.
Can You Just Replace An Interior Door Without Replacing The Frame?
You can substitute an interior door without affecting the frame. However, you can only achieve that operation if the frame is still in good condition. The door’s casing shouldn’t be worn or warped.
Keep in mind that you might still need to make minor adjustments or alterations to the door or its frame, depending on the project’s demands. For example, it might become a requirement to chisel the new door to form cutouts for the hinges. Replacing doors often has some variances among projects and doorway types.
However, if you already have a pre-hung door, you may only need to purchase a door with the same measurements as the old doorway. That way, the number of challenges associated with the replacement operation will be fewer than usual.
How Much Does It Cost To Install A New Door And Frame?
HomeAdvisor lists the costs to install a new door and frame to be $750 to $2,000 on average. The fees can include:
- Professional assistance: $150 to $300 ($40 to $90 per hour)
- New door slab: $50 to $400
- Supplies: $100 to $300
- Door jamb and stop: $150 to $300
- Frame construction: $200 to $650
Additionally, the costs can also vary based on the new door’s type. The following are some price range estimates on the various types of doors:
- Single Entry: $500 to $2,000
- Double: $750 to $5,000
- French: $600 to $5,800
- Patio: $500 to $4,500
- Bifold: $150 to $500
The door’s material can also increase or decrease the overall costs for the installation project. Some door materials and their approximate prices include:
- Wood: $40 to $5,000
- Steel: $500 to $1,230
- Wrought iron: $1,500 to $7,000
- Fiberglass: $150 to $2,000
- Aluminum: $100 to $2,000
- Composite wood: $40 to $500
Final Thoughts
Installing an exterior door takes 5 to 6 hours on average to complete. On the other hand, an interior door has fewer demands than its exterior counterpart. Therefore, interior door installations should be easier and faster to complete.
However, the amount of time you spend on a door installation project can still vary based on different factors. For instance, the tools used can affect the amount of time spent on certain steps. For example, using a conventional hand saw to cut a door to size is generally more labor-intensive than using a power circular saw.
