Is It Easy to Replace Internal Doors?

It won't be providing the best possible soundproofing or insulation to your room anymore. Still, replacing an internal door can feel like a big, difficult task. It can feel like it, but it isn't. This guide will explain how to replace an interior door and answer some commonly asked questions about the process to show it isn't as daunting as it can sound.

How do you replace an internal door?

Tools you will need:

• Screwdriver
• Hammer
• Nail
• Prybar

Step-by-Step guide

1. Measure your existing door When you're replacing an internal door, it is easier to measure the slab of the existing door than trying to measure the opening when the door has been removed. Use a tape measure to check the height and the width of the door multiple times to make sure you get accurate measurements - see our internal door measuring guide for more help.
2. Remove the old door slab Do this with the door closed and latched shut to keep it stable while you work. Carefully remove the old door from its hinges by removing the hinge pins first. Keep gravity on your side by starting with the bottom hinge. Lightly tap the bottom hinge pin out with a hammer. Don’t tap it out completely, but when it’s loose enough, pull it the rest of the way. Repeat with the top hinge.With the hinges removed you won't have anything holding the door in place so you should be able to ease it up and off the hinges - though you may need help with this thanks to the weight of the door. If you are planning to reuse any of your door hardware, make sure to lay the door flat and remove the hinges, handles and anything else you need.
3. Remove the door frame If you are replacing the frame as well as the door, this is the time to do it. Remove the hinge plate using a screwdriver then use a sharp utility knife or Stanley knife to cut through the caulk and paint that is around the frame. Gently ease a pry bar between the frame edge and the wall to pull it apart. Once the frame and the jamb are out, check the opening for any nails or screws that are still sticking out.
4. Measure up your new door If you aren't removing the frame, your replacement job will be a lot easier. Mark the new door using your old door for guidance. You won't be able to notch out new hinge positions unless you've got a new frame so make sure the hinge recesses match up on the new door. You can even lay the old one on top of the new door and use it as a template to mark off the measurements at the door edge. You can always use a tape measure to check your measurements for accuracy too, but you will be less likely to make mistakes.
5. Hang the door The process for hanging a new door is always the same. To find out how to do it you can check our guide on hanging internal doors.

Can You Replace an Internal Door without Replacing the Door Frame?

If only the door leaf itself is damaged, it is often easier to replace a door without replacing the door frame as well. However, when you choose to keep an existing frame, make sure to check it closely for damage. If the frame is warped, it might mean the new door won't fit. If the frame is chipped or there are gaps between the frame width and the opening, then drafts or noise will continue to get in making a new door a waste.

Is it Worth Changing Internal Doors?

Replacing your interior doors can be an instant way of smartening up a tired looking home. Especially if you are replacing worn, badly fitted ones with brand new solid core doors. However, if your existing door is still structurally sound, then refreshing the old door can be a cheaper, simpler alternative. It won’t take any extra effort than installing a new interior door either. You can always paint your internal door, with a fresh coat of its existing colour or change it up completely. If you have a solid oak door you can even strip it, sand it, and refinish it with varnish to bring your old door back to its best. Investing in a brand-new set of internal doors for your home can completely revitalise the look of your home, giving it a crisp clean look. Whether you're replacing one single leaf door, folding doors or even multiple doors, the new doors will give your home a boost of aesthetic appeal.

How Long Does it Take to Replace an Interior Door?

If you attempt the job yourself, you will probably find it takes around 6-8 hours to replace an interior door. This will obviously depend on whether you need to replace the door frame at the same time. If you want a quicker replacement but want to do the job yourself, then a pre-hung internal door might be a great choice. For a professional carpenter, the job should be a little quicker. Your new internal door should be hung within 5 hours or less. The exact time will again depend on the frame, and the size of the door leaf itself. If your new door is the exact same size as the opening in the frame, then you can cut out the trimming time.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace Interior Doors?

If you choose to hang your new door yourself, then all you need to worry about is the price of the interior door. This will depend on whether you're looking at solid or hollow core doors, flush doors or panelled doors and what material the door is made of this. This means you can control the cost of your door closely, and tailor it to your own budget.

How Often Should I Replace My Internal Doors?

It is not necessary to replace your internal doors at arbitrary intervals. Instead, you should replace them when they show significant damage. High-quality interior doors can be used for over 30 years if they are looked after.

How Often Should You Replace Fire Doors?

There is no set frequency that you need to replace your fire doors either. But you should check them for wear and tear every six months and replace them as soon as you spot significant damage. Unlike your other internal doors, fire doors play a vital role in keeping your home safe. When checking a fire door, you need to keep an eye out for:

• Any spaces or gaps around the door when it is closed
• That it stays firmly in place when shut
• That door opens and closes in a smooth action
• That door handle, hinges and other door furniture are still functioning well

When any one of these conditions is no longer met, you should think about replacing your fire door.