Get matched with top door pros in Andover, CT

Kick plates can absolutely be installed on metal doors. Many kick plates for metal doors are magnetic to avoid needing to drill into the metal, but many door manufacturers make kick plates that can be traditionally installed on metal doors using screws. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions to see which is recommended for your door model.

A slab door is a standalone door without a frame or hardware. A prehung door is a complete set that includes the door, frame, hinges, and sometimes the doorknob and lockset.

In most cases, a prehung door is the better and easier option to install, especially for DIY projects or exterior applications, as they often come pre-weatherproofed. They require fewer tools and less experience to install properly. Although prehung doors are heavier and have a higher upfront cost, the investment is often worthwhile for a complete upgrade that includes a new frame.

A slab door may be a better choice if you are on a tight budget, have a custom-sized wall opening, or only need to replace the door while keeping the existing frame. While the initial cost is lower, you will need to purchase all the hardware separately and do more DIY work to hang it, which may not result in significant time or money savings.

While sliding glass doors are designed to be rainproof and weather resistant, they cannot be considered 100% watertight in conditions with heavy rain or winds. However, maintaining a door properly and ensuring that seals are tight can dramatically reduce risks of water intrusion.

Continuous hinges are some of the sturdiest hinges available, which makes sense, given that they provide support along the entire side of the door. These hinges are often used for heavy commercial doors, but are impractically expensive and unnecessary for residential use. Among the hinges commonly used in homes, the ball-bearing hinge is the strongest, and it reduces friction to help heavy doors open more smoothly.