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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.

While spring and summer’s temperate weather can make the project more pleasant and give you more daytime hours to start and complete it, there’s otherwise no advantage to framing a door in spring or summer versus fall and winter.

Most modern, standard doors are 1 ⅜-inches thick, so you should aim for this thickness unless you're building a door to replace an antique door or fit into a non-standard wall opening. Thickness varies when installing a pocket door or sliding barn door, so a good rule of thumb is to measure your existing door, if possible. For standard doors, you can also measure from the inside of the door to the door stop to gauge the proper thickness.

WD-40 can be used on squeaky door hinges, but it is generally considered a temporary, short-term solution rather than a long-term fix. While it can silence a squeak in a pinch by breaking down rust and grime, it is not a true lubricant, as it contains only a small amount of lubricating oil that evaporates quickly. Using WD-40 alone may lead to the squeak returning and can attract dirt and dust, potentially causing more wear on the hinge over time. For a more effective and lasting solution, it is recommended to first use WD-40 to clean the hinge, then wipe it clean. Afterward, apply a dedicated lubricant such as silicone spray, white lithium grease, a metal or plastic lubricant, or an oil-based product like petroleum jelly.