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How to replace a door

A fully installed door opens easily within the frame, indicating correct fitting and secure hinge installation.

Overview

Hanging a door is a manageable D.I.Y. home improvement project with the right preparation and tools. Whether you’re replacing a damaged door, updating the look of a room or fitting out a new space, installing a door properly makes a big difference to how your home feels and functions. Follow these steps to achieve a smooth fit, even gaps and a professional-looking finish.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. 

Steps

1

Check the door and opening

Before you begin, make sure your door is the correct size for the opening and that the swing direction suits your space. Check for a consistent gap of around 2–3mm along the top and sides, and slightly more at the bottom if needed for flooring. Lightly sand any rough edges so the door will fit neatly into the frame rather than forcing it into place later.
A person is checking the door size for accurate sizing, gap spacing, and smooth edges before installation. ​

2

Trim the door

If the door is too large, mark your cut lines clearly and trim using a saw. Remove small amounts at a time and test the fit regularly to avoid overcutting. If needed, lightly sand the cut edges to help achieve a clean, smooth finish and improve your door installation results.
A person is carefully marking trim lines on the door to remove excess material and ensure an accurate fit within the frame.

3

Mark and install hinges on the door

Measure and mark your door hinge positions on the door: top hinge approximately 200mm from the top, bottom hinge approximately 300mm from the bottom, and the middle hinge centred between the two. Place each hinge on the marks and trace around it. Use a sharp chisel to cut a shallow recess so the hinge sits flush with the surface. Drill pilot holes before fixing the screws to help prevent the timber from splitting, then secure the hinges to the door.
A person is marking precise hinge positions on the door edge to prepare for cutting recesses and secure hinge installation.

4

Transfer hinge positions to the frame

Stand the door in the opening and line it up so the gaps are even. Mark the hinge positions onto the door frame, then remove the door and chisel out matching recesses. Take your time here to keep your cuts neat and accurate, as this will help the door sit properly when installed.
A chisel is used to form clean hinge recesses in the door frame, allowing the door to sit evenly and operate smoothly.

5

Hang the door

Position the door in the opening using timber wedges or packers to hold it in place. Check that the gaps are even (around 3mm) and that the door is sitting straight. Fix the top hinge first using a single screw so you can still make adjustments. Use a spirit level to check the door is plumb and adjust the wedges as needed. Once aligned, secure the bottom hinge, followed by the middle hinge.
A door is supported with wedges to align the door correctly in the frame before fixing the hinges permanently.

6

Secure and test

Remove the wedges and test the door by opening and closing it. It should swing smoothly with consistent gaps. If adjustments are needed, loosen the screws slightly, reposition the door and recheck until it operates correctly. Once you’re satisfied, install the remaining screws to fully secure all hinges. At this stage, you can also install your door handle following the instructions provided with your handle set to complete your door handle installation.
​A ​​Bunnings​​ Team Member is securing the door hinges with remaining screws after testing door movement and confirming correct alignment.

7

Hung a door and ready for the door handle?

Check out our article on how to install a door handle.
Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.