Whether you’re installing a new door or replacing an existing one, the cost of door installation varies based on location, door type, framing needs, and other factors.
How to Remove a Door Quickly and Easily
Don’t be intimidated; this project is easier than you might think
Get quotes from door pros near you
No obligation · 100% free
Get quotes from door pros near you
No obligation · 100% free
SKILL LEVEL
Simple
COMPLETION TIME
20 minutes
COST
Up to $25
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
- Hammer
- Large nail
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Pry bar
- Utility knife
SUPPLIES
- Cardboard
There are a number of reasons you might need to remove an interior door in your home, like replacing carpet, painting or staining the door, or replacing it with a new one. Removing a door is much easier than it might seem at first and only requires a few tools, some patience, and a bit of time. Here’s how to remove a door without damage or injury.
Prepping to Remove a Door
Removing a door can usually be a one-person job, but if you’re working with a solid, heavy door or aren’t confident in your own ability to handle the door's weight by yourself, enlist the help of another person to lighten the load.
Close and Support the Door
Photo: Andrey Zhuravlev / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesWhen removing a door, keeping it closed and latched will take the weight off the hinges as you work. It's important to stabilize the door in place until you're ready to move it. To do this, place an object underneath the door. Consider something like a shim, wooden wedge, or air wedge.
Check the Hinges
Photo: aozora1 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesIn some cases, you may find that your hinges have been painted over. Paint may make it difficult to separate the hinges once the pins are removed, so use your utility knife to cut away any paint between hinge sections.
Remove the Hinge Pins
Photo: Lost_in_the_Midwest / Adobe StockStarting with the bottom hinge, remove each door hinge pin by placing a large nail at the bottom of the pin and gently tapping the nail with a hammer until the pin starts to come out at the top of the hinge. When the pin has about an inch or so showing at the top of the hinge, you can remove it.
Some pins can be pulled out by hand, but for more stubborn ones, place the head of your screwdriver under the head of the pin and gently tap the screwdriver with your hammer until the pin comes loose. Repeat this for each hinge and set the pins aside so you can find them easily when it’s time to put the door back.
Protect Your Floor
Before removing the door from the hinges, slide a piece of cardboard underneath to ensure your floors aren’t damaged.
Remove the Door
Photo: Forenius / Adobe StockOpen the door a few inches, and with one hand on the doorknob and one under the top hinge, pull the door slightly to the side to separate the hinges and back it out of the doorway. If the door is too heavy, use a pry bar underneath to relieve some of the weight and try again.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
DIYing your door removal will keep the task cost-effective, but if you aren’t confident that you’ll be able to do it, a local handyperson can handle this kind of job. The cost to hire a handyperson averages between $40 to $140 an hour. If you’re looking to replace the door or if you need a new door frame, a door installation contractor near you can take on the whole job from beginning to end. The cost of an interior door installation can range from $350 to $1,200.
Frequently Asked Questions
Door services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.8★ avg. • 25 total reviews
- Sue B.
Terrible experience. Walls/trim/floors/cabinets/doors all have drip marks, overspray, etc. Tiling at the fireplace had to be redone by another vendor due to incorrect and shoddy install by Profect. Contractor had his children in our house while he was on site without prior authorization or...
Profect painting & exteriors - Maggie M.
Jason has helped me with multiple household projects, with the most recent being new door installation. He has always showed up on time and organized and has done an incredible job! Jason is very professional and he's now my go-to for anything around my house that needs to be fixed or...
Huff Garage Rescue, LLC - Thomas S.
Company came to look at my garage door that was off track. They also said I needed a brace on the other garage door. They put the door back on track, and I paid to install the brace. The technician told me I needed a new garage door opener, and it would cost $1000. Red flags went off in...
Precision Overhead Garage Door Service - Lisa S.
On Sunday 2/26 I requested quotes via Angi from 4 refrigerator repair businesses. Northwest Appliance responded to me Monday morning (2/27) and my refrigerator was repaired by noon the same day. Great communication, they did everything they said they would. The technician had the parts on...
- Warren C.
Excellent customer service and knowledge. I was recommend to him from my neighbour. My front door and window came in great and were installed beautifully perfectly, I m very satisfied with their excellent work, so decided to order one more big bow window for my living room. I cant wait for...
Window Depot USA of Central Ohio - Matthew L.
Called ahead and worked quickly to install keyless locks on vintage wooden doors.
Expert Lock and Key, LLC - Lori M.
Scott did not get appropriate access to the property prior to the scheduled inspection which required us to come back later in the day to complete it. He also, unprofessionally, knocked on a neighbor?s door in his attempts to reach someone with access. His overall report was fine though the...
Security First Home Inspections - Gary K.
Door Depot was very responsive - they came out the day after my call to assess my needs, then returned at my convenience to complete the work. They arrived early, and the work was completed in a shorter period of time than estimated. Very pleased with the results. I would definitely use them...
Door Depot LLC - Jim L.
Replace garage doors: Fast response, competitive estimate, timely work done well.
Village Garage Door - Dana M.
Jeremiah did an awesome job cleaning 28 windows inside and out! He was fast, efficient and now I have a beautiful view again. This was a Groupon for $139 for 20 windows, but I had 28 windows/doors cleaned, so there was an extra $6 per window. Totally worth it.
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