To install an interior door, set the pre-hung frame in the rough opening, shim it level and plumb, screw it to the studs, then check the swing and fit the handle. The slab, hinges, and frame come as one unit, so most homeowners finish in one to two hours.
Swapping an old interior door for a new one is one of the easier weekend jobs at home. You just need a level, a drill, some shims, and a little patience. In Southeast Iowa, cold winters and humid summers make wood doors swell and stick. That is why plenty of Burlington and Quad Cities homeowners replace them.
This guide shows you how to install an interior door the right way, in plain words. We pulled it together from years of hands-on door work at The Window Source of Southeast Iowa. It also covers the small mistakes that cause sticking doors and uneven gaps.
Key Takeaways
- A pre-hung interior door installs in one to two hours.
- A level, plumb frame keeps the door swinging straight.
- Shim behind each hinge and keep the reveal a nickel wide.
- DIY costs under $400; a pro averages about $800.
- Hire a pro for weight-bearing walls or crooked openings.
What You Need Before You Start
You need a pre-hung interior door, a level, a drill, wood shims, screws, and a few basic hand tools. A clean setup saves time and keeps the work moving. Most of these items already sit in a basic home toolbox.
Here is the full list:
- Pre-hung interior door that fits your rough opening
- Tape measure and a 6-foot level
- Wood shims
- Drill with 2.5-inch and 3-inch screws
- Hammer, finishing nails, and a nail set
- Utility knife and a small handsaw
- Pencil, safety glasses, and gloves
- Door handle, latch, and strike plate
Measure your old door before you buy. Standard interior doors stand 80 inches tall. Widths follow a few common sizes:
| Door width | Common use |
| 24 inches | Closets and pantries |
| 28 inches | Small bathrooms |
| 30 inches | Bedrooms and bathrooms |
| 32 inches | Bedrooms and main rooms |
| 36 inches | Wide or accessible doorways |
Write down the rough opening size too. The frame needs about an inch of shim room on each side.
Pre-Hung Door or Slab Door, Know the Difference
A pre-hung door includes the slab, frame, and hinges as one unit, while a slab door is just the bare door by itself. For most homeowners, a pre-hung unit makes interior door installation far easier.
Here is how the two stack up:
| Feature | Pre-hung door | Slab door |
| What you get | Slab, jamb, hinges, and door stop | Just the bare door |
| Skill needed | Beginner friendly | Harder, needs carpentry |
| Extra work | Shim and screw the frame | Cut hinge mortises, drill the handle hole |
| Best for | New or replacement openings | An existing frame in good shape |
A pre-hung door drops into the opening as one tidy piece. Many come as a split-jamb model, which slides together around the wall for a clean fit. A slab door asks more of you. You also have to match the bevel on the latch edge so it clears the frame.
New to door work? Pick the pre-hung version. It forgives small errors and gives you a square fit with less fuss.
How to Install an Interior Door Step by Step
Installing an interior door takes six steps: remove the old door, check the opening, set the frame, shim it level, screw it tight, then test the swing and add hardware. Most of the work is getting the frame level and plumb. Rush that and the door sticks.
Step 1: Remove the Old Door and Frame
Start by lifting the old door off its hinges. Tap the hinge pins up with a hammer and screwdriver, then pull the slab free. Pry off the casing around the frame with a utility knife and pry bar. Unscrew or cut the old jamb loose and pull it out. Clean the opening so nothing blocks the new frame.
Step 2: Check the Rough Opening
Look at the bare opening before the new door goes in. It should sit about 2 inches wider and 2 inches taller than your door slab. That gap gives you room for shims. Run your level along the floor, the sides, and the header. Older Iowa homes often settle, so never assume the opening is square.
Step 3: Set the Pre-Hung Door in Place
Lift the pre-hung unit and slide it into the opening. Push the frame so the hinge side sits snug against the wall. Make sure the door swings the way you want, into the room or out of it. Get this direction right now, because a flip later means starting over.
Step 4: Shim and Level the Hinge Side
Slide wood shims between the jamb and the stud behind each hinge. Adjust them until your level reads plumb up and down. Tap gently and check often. A frame that leans even a little will let the door swing open or shut on its own.
Step 5: Screw the Frame Tight
Once the hinge side reads plumb, sink screws through the jamb and shims into the stud. Use two screws near each hinge. Then move to the latch side. Shim it so the gap between the door and frame stays even top to bottom. Pros call that even gap the reveal, and it should run about the width of a nickel.
Step 6: Test the Swing and Add Hardware
Open and close the door a few times. It should glide and stay put wherever you leave it. If it sticks, adjust your shims. Once it swings clean, trim the shims flush with a utility knife. Install the handle, latch, and strike plate, then nail the casing back on with finishing nails.
That is it. Your new door is ready to use.
How Much Does Interior Door Installation Cost
Interior door installation costs about $362 to $1,235 with a pro, and most homeowners pay near $800 per door. Your price shifts with the door type, material, and how much trim work the job needs.
Here is a quick breakdown:
| Item | Typical cost |
| Hollow-core door | $30 to $240 |
| Solid-core door | $60 to $330 |
| Old door removal | $40 to $80 |
| Labor (handyman) | $30 to $80 per hour |
| Pro install, total | $362 to $1,235 (about $800 average) |
Doing it yourself costs much less. Add a handle set and a few screws to a basic door, and you stay well under $400. Labor makes up about half the bill when you hire out. The door itself sets most of your total, so choose with care.
Want a fresh look without the heavy lifting? The team at The Window Source of Southeast Iowa handles doors, windows, and siding for homes across Burlington and the Quad Cities. See the full lineup here.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake homeowners make is skipping the level check, which leaves the door crooked and hard to close. A few simple slip-ups cause most door problems. Dodge these and you save yourself a redo.
- Skipping the level check: the top cause of a door that will not close right.
- Forcing the frame: never hammer a tight frame into place. Trim the opening instead.
- Wrong swing direction: check which way the door opens before you screw anything.
- Uneven reveal: a lopsided gap means the frame is not plumb. Reset the shims.
- Over-tightening screws: crank too hard and you pull the frame out of the square.
Take your time on the shimming. That one habit makes the difference between a clean door and a sticky one.
Ready for a New Door?
To be honest, a new interior door looks simple until your old opening fights back. If the frame sits crooked or the door keeps sticking, do not waste your weekend on it. We have installed over 1,000 windows and plenty of doors across Burlington and the Quad Cities. Call The Window Source of Southeast Iowa today for a free quote, and we will set your door right the first time.
FAQs
How long does it take to install an interior door?
Most pre-hung interior doors go in within one to two hours. A slab door takes longer since you cut the hinges and drill the handle hole yourself.
Can I install an interior door by myself?
Yes, one person can handle a pre-hung interior door. A helper makes lifting and holding the frame easier, but you do not need one.
Do I need to remove the old frame?
For a pre-hung door, yes. The new unit comes with its own frame, so the old jamb has to come out first.
What is the hardest part of how to install an interior door?
Getting the frame level and plumb trips up most people. Slow, careful shimming behind each hinge fixes nearly every problem.