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You put shims between the three-sided frame to which the door hinges are attached and the framing of the rough wall opening. Using shims like this will center your door in the wall opening and allows you to make small adjustments to get your door plumb and level for smooth operation. Your shims and the gap they fill will be covered when you install door trim, so don’t worry too much about the appearance.

The best direction for a gate to swing depends on its location and purpose, but swinging inward is the general rule. An inward swing is often considered safer, prevents the gate from opening into public spaces like a sidewalk, and may be required by local building codes.

There are exceptions and specific considerations. If your property is on a slope, an inward swing might not be possible. For a deck gate, it's safest to have it swing away from any steps. In a backyard, the direction can be a matter of preference, though an inward swing can be helpful when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.

Regardless of direction, ensure the gate can open fully without hitting any objects or blocking spaces. While an inward swing is standard, a gate that can swing both in and out offers the most flexibility if your setup allows for it.

It can affect security, especially if you don’t finish it properly. A Dutch door has more moving parts that can be compromised, so you’ll want to use solid hardware and make sure everything lines up and locks cleanly. If the latch is flimsy or the two halves don’t sit tight, it’s going to be easier to force open.

Although some pet doors allow easier access for burglars or stray animals, there are ways to make pet doors more secure. To increase your home’s security, choose locking or electronically activated doors, use additional motion sensor security cameras, and install pet doors on a wall where door locking mechanisms are difficult to access.