DIY Network

Installing A Door Learn how to install a door from a professional contractor.

These custom mahogany doors were designed and installed by John Palanca, host of Under Construction.

by John Palanca

Materials and Tools:

plumb bob
shims
screws or nails
screw gun
hammer
2-foot square
2-foot level

1. Before doing anything else, check to make sure the door fits into the rough opening.

2. Check the hinge side of the rough opening frame to see how straight it is. Install the hinge side of doorframe dead straight with the plumb bob: Hang the plumb bob four inches away from the frame and make sure the measurements from the top and the bottom and the bottom of the jamb are the same.

3. You probably will have to use shims in the frame to get the measurements to match.

4. Once the frame is absolutely straight, you can install the hinges and the door. Keep the door closed; the space between the jamb and the door should be equal at the header, and at the opposite side of the jamb (figure c).

5. Use shims to maintain equal spaces between the door frame and the door. Once everything is level, even and straight, install the casing and hardware.