If you're purchasing materials to install your solid core door, you're probably wondering what size screws to get. We found the answer for you. We researched popular home construction sites and checked with door installation experts and here's what we found out.
To properly install a solid core door, you will need to use screws about 3 inches long. If your door has three holes in the hinges, you can use one long screw (3 inches) and two shorter screws. This technique will add more strength and resist door pullout.
Do you want to learn more about solid core door installation? Read on below as we go into details on how important the right screws are to ensure your door is securely installed.
What Size Screws Do Doors Use?
When you buy a door, it typically comes with 1-inch screws, but experts say this won't do, especially if you're installing a heavy solid core door. You need longer screws of about 3 inches in length.
The factory screws that usually come with doors are too short and will barely hold the door jamb in. You will need to purchase a longer screw that will go through the jamb and right into the stud to secure the hinge. However, it should not be longer than the door frame's depth.
Check out these 3-inch brass door screws on Amazon.
Screw Size Labeling
When you purchase door screws, you will often see the numbers #9, #10, or #12 on the product details. Or when you browse online, you may see listings such as #9x3 or #10x2.
What do these numbers mean?
The #9 refers to the diameter and the number after 'x' refers to the length in inches.
If it's your first time purchasing screws, you may find labels to be a bit confusing. This is because there are two types of screw measurements.
The United States follows the Unified Thread Standard (UTS) or the imperial system which measures in inches. Other countries follow the ISO metric screw thread system.
Generally, #9 screws are used for interior doors, while #10 and #12 are for exterior and commercial doors. The sizes of the screws used can vary depending on the door's size, weight, and material.
For a more accurate measurement, you should refer to a screw size chart.
Do Longer Screws Make A Door Harder To Kick In?
Using longer screws will also make your home more secure. With shorter commercial screws, intruders can easily knock the door down with a strong kick or a heavy object. Longer screws will ensure the door will hold tighter and stronger on the jamb, making it more difficult to knock down.
If your current door is already installed using these commercial short screws, you can still have it replaced with longer screws. You can do this yourself if you have the right tools, or you can call a door installation expert to check it out for you.
Check out this Local 12 News episode on why it's important to secure your door with longer screws.
Are Solid Core Doors Hard To Install?
Solid core doors are installed the same way as any other door. What makes it more challenging to install is its weight. It also requires added support to prevent pullout and sagging.
An interior solid core door typically weighs around 70 lbs but the weight could vary depending on the size, design, and material. The exterior types will weigh around 80-100 lbs or even more if the design is for commercial use.
Check out this white primed wooden solid core door on Amazon.
Install At Least Three Hinges
Because of its weight, a solid core door needs at least three hinges, instead of the usual two hinges for lighter doors. Using the right type of screws will also ensure a stronger hold.
One popular technique is to use a combination of long and short screws for a better hold. For instance, if you have a hinge with four holes, you can use one long screw (3 inches) and three shorter screws to secure the hinge.
Check out this metal exterior door hinge on Amazon.
It is recommended to use longer screws on the top hinge because it is more prone to pullout while the bottom ones can have shorter screws because it is being pushed on the jamb.
Most door screws are built exclusively for door use and are not advised to be used in any other major home structure. The screws will also have a flat head to ensure that once screwed in, they will sit flush with the hinge.
Predrill Pilot Holes For Screws
Another important thing to ensure when installing door hinges is to predrill pilot holes before putting in the screws. It helps prevent the wood from cracking and splitting because it lessens the pressure on the wood when you put in the screws.
Considerations For Solid Core Door Screws
There are two main things you need to consider when choosing screws for your door—screw size and material.
- Size - The size of the screw will matter depending on the type of door you have. Choose longer screw sizes for heavier doors for a stronger hold.
- Material - Match the material of the hinge to the screws to avoid corrosion. For instance, a brass hinge should also have brass screws. Using different materials can trigger a reaction and cause corrosion in the long run.
No matter what type of door you have, whether it's a lightweight door or a heavy exterior door, experts recommend changing at least one screw on the hinge to a longer screw for added support.
You can check out this video below on how to install a solid core door.
What Is A Solid Core Door?
A solid core door is made of heavy fiberboard or composite material, that's why it is heavier than most doors. It is different from solid wood doors, which are made entirely of wood.
Solid core doors are made of wood chips and synthetic wood composites but are packed solid, making them heavy-duty doors that are not as expensive as purely wooden doors.
One significant feature of a solid core door is sound insulation. It is an ideal choice for rooms that needs soundproofing such as bedrooms, office rooms, and conference rooms. It can reduce as much as 25% of noise.
Solid core doors are also weather-resistant, which means they can withstand temperature changes without expanding and shrinking and will last a long time. Most solid wood doors tend to warp throughout the seasons so you may need to change them every few years.
Hollow Core Vs. Solid Core Doors
Alternatively, there are hollow core doors, which are less expensive and lighter. They are made of paperboard or plastic core and hollow in the middle, that's why they damage easily. They are only recommended for use as an interior door.
You can tell the difference between a solid core door and a hollow core by simply knocking on them. A solid core will have a fuller sound while a hollow core door will have a more shallow sound.
Wrapping Up
Thank you very much for reading through and we hope you were able to find the right size screws to install your solid core door. Remember that a 3-inch screw is the standard length recommended by door installation experts.
For more information on door installation and repair, check out these other articles below.
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