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How to fit a Timber Door

Installing a door

To install a door you must understand the different door sizes available. The Common door sizes available are:

• 820mm (wide)x 2040mm(high) x 35mm(thick) or 40mm
• 770mm x 2040mm x 35mm
• 720mm x 2040mm x 35mm
• 620mm x 2040mm x 35mm

There are other door sizes available and custom door sizes at extra cost, however the sizes above are the most common and standard for most homes. If you are replacing an existing door check the door fits the door frame well (if it does not you will have to make adjustments). If the door fits well you can remove the door and the door lock and lay it flat on the new door and trace around it and copy the dimensions and hinge positions. This is best done on a pair of sawing horses.

Step one: Check the opening size:

Check the height and width of the opening and select the best fit standard door size for the job.

The following are the standard allowances for fitting a door:

• Standard door size (wide): as above (820, 770, 720, 620mm)
• Head or top clearance: 3mm: between the top of door and door frame
• Side clearance: 2.5mm: between the door and side of door frame
• Bottom Clearance: 20mm: This is to allow for floor covering. If you have floor coverings installed then this gap can be reduced to 10mm.

Step two: check for square:

With builders square, check that the door frame is square and the sides of the frame are straight. If the door frame is badly out if shape it would be wise to correct this first before installing your door. If you are replacing an existing door, measure down from the top of the door frame to the top of the existing hinge. Mark this measurement on your door minus 3mm for the top of door clearance. Use an existing hinge to mark the exact measurements of your hinge. Repeat this for the bottom hinge also. If it is a new door and new door frame mark the hinge positions on the jamb 250mm from the bottom and 200mm from the top.

Remember: The hinge pin is fitted on the inside of the door. So mark the door for inside, outside, and top.

Step three: Adjustments:

Unless your door frame has been made to fit the new door exactly you will need to plane or cut the door to fit the new door. It is common to have to cut the door down or plane the door so it will fit and not jamb on the door frame. If you are fitting a new metric sized door into an imperial (inch) frame you will need to cut the door down. Cut the door evenly on both sides so you do not make the door to weak. The maximum recommended you can cut off all sides of the door is 10mm (for hollow core doors). So if you need cut the door down by 15mm you will need to cut 7.5mm from each side.

Step four: fit hinges:

250mm from the bottom and 200mm from the top. If you are fitting an external door or a heavy door you will need to add a third hinge in the middle. Mark the hinge position using the hinge and chisel out to recess the hinge on the door and the door frame. An alternative to chiseling out and recessing the hinge is to use easy fit hinges which are screwed to the door and door frame without recessing. Step five: Fit the door: Lift the door into place and screw into place. Test the fit of door by closing it and make adjustments for an exact fit. You may need to take the door off to plane it.

Step Six: fit the latch:

Fit your latch at your desired height (1000 to 1200mm is most common). Most latches use a 54mm whole saw and a 25mm drill for the latch tongue. However it is important to follow the instructions supplied with the latch because some are different.