The Ultimate Door Installation Checklist

If a door in your home no longer opens and shuts as it should, it’s likely time to consider a replacement. Swapping out this home feature for another may seem easy enough, but plenty of potential door installation problems can arise. But following the correct steps will ensure your project is a success.

This door installation checklist outlines what you need to know to navigate this process smoothly, including when you’re better off letting a pro handle the job.

Door Installation Supplies List

Download Checklist Here

When it comes to how to hang a door, there are quite a few tools and supplies you’ll need to gather first. That includes the door itself and the hinges it will sit upon, as well as a new door frame and insulation.  However, here's a full list of all the supplies you should gather ahead of time.

• Screwdriver

• Door stoppers

• Pencil

• Straight edge

• Protective gear (safety goggles, ear protection, mask, full-length clothing)

• Electric planer 

• Circular saw

• Tape measure

• Flat-edge chisel

• Wooden mallet

• Drill and drill bits

• Hole saw

• Level

• Fine-grit sandpaper

• Hinges

• Screws

• Drop cloths/tarps

• Painter’s tape

• Foam insulation

• Doorknob set

• Door frame

• Door trim

• Door

• Paint

• Paintbrush

• Stain

Before Installation Checklist

Correctly prepping to install a door is just as if not more important than the door installation process itself. That will include everything from clearing and protecting your space and yourself, to additional construction—like removing the existing trim and doorframe and building new ones from scratch if the originals are no longer in a good state. 

• Remove furniture and obstacles from the surrounding area

• If installing an exterior-facing door, aim to work in clear and relatively cool conditions. 

• Protect your floor with drop cloths and/or tarps; protect the surrounding walls with painter’s tape. 

• Remove the old door.

• Gently remove door trim and set aside to reuse later if it’s in good condition.

• Remove the door frame if necessary—for instance, if it’s warped, cracked, dented, or there are signs of mold in the wood. 

• Replace the door frame. 

• Fill space between frame and wall with foam insulation and allow time for it to cure (between eight and 24 hours). 

During Installation Checklist

You should budget about two days for a project like this. On the first day, plan to make sure your new door fits into its frame and make any adjustments if necessary. Now is also the ideal moment to paint or finish your door so it will have plenty of time to dry thoroughly and be ready to hang on day two. 

Day 1

• Measure the door frame and mark where cuts will be necessary on your new door. 

• Use tools like a circular saw and electric planer to cut your door down to the right size. 

• Verify that the door fits the frame and continue cutting until it does. 

• Cut a doorknob hole if one isn’t already present. 

• Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth cut edges. 

• Paint or stain the door and let it dry (wait a full day for best results). 

Day 2

• Use a pencil to mark where hinges will go and a chisel to clear out space for them.

• Use a drill and wood screws to apply hinges to the frame. Keep a level handy to ensure they are installed evenly. 

• Install hardware. 

• Attach the door to the hinges and use a door stopper to keep it steady while you work. 

• Alternatively, skip this DIY work and find out who installs doors instead. 

After Installation Checklist

Once you’re done installing, it’s time to start cleaning—but not before giving your new door a test run to ensure it functions properly. 

• Double-check that the door works as it should and make any fixes if necessary. 

• Reapply the door trim. 

• Remove protective tarps, sheets, and tape. 

• Clean up the surrounding area and anywhere affected by construction. 

• Return furniture and belongings to their rightful place. 

• Periodically grease hinges and hardware to limit damage down the line. 

• Wipe down your door on a weekly or biweekly basis.

• Repaint or refinish when the current coat fades or shows signs of decay (approximately every two to three years). 

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Professional Door Installer?

The cost to install a new interior door ranges from $360 to $1,200. If you choose to hire a trained hand, expect 50% of the total expenses to cover the labor fees of a professional door installer. They typically charge a minimum of $350 for the most basic installation, and you can expect to pay even more—up to $1,500 or more for labor alone—if additional construction is required, like installing a new door frame or adjusting a wall opening. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro 

Choosing to DIY a project like this is the more cost-effective option, as you can save as much as half on overall expenses by going it solo. The downside of DIY is that you’re responsible for all the work and anything that goes wrong in the process. Most times, it's worth spending more on hiring a professional door installer near you to avoid potential headaches.