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Spacing a door is tricky since you need to leave enough of a gap for the door to move freely and not get stuck when the slab and frame contract and expand in dry and humid conditions. The ideal gap between a doorframe and slab is 1/8 of an inch. If the gap is any larger, the door will feel drafty. But if the gap is any smaller, the slab can get stuck due to weather changes.

The vast majority of hinges are symmetrical, and either side of the hinge can go on the door or the frame. Occasionally, you'll find a hinge specifically made for right or left-handed doors with different attachment hardware or larger plates on one side. In most cases, the large side of the hinge goes on the frame.

It is possible to install hinges backward, so be careful when placing them. Position the hinge so that the hinge pin faces the direction the door will swing. For example, if you're standing on the side the door will open into, the pin should be visible. Be extra careful when installing exterior doors, as placing the hinges on the outside for an outward-facing door makes your home much easier to break into.

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.

You can use wood, metal, or plastic as a door shim, but keep in mind that wood will rot easier than the other two materials. Your local hardware store should have at least one type in stock. Alternatively, you can trim a piece of cardboard to fit underneath your door hinge and work as a temporary, makeshift door shim.