Get matched with top door pros in Ozark, MO

You should generally cut between 1/8-inch and 1 inch when planing a door. If you cut off more than that, you risk damaging the door. Planing too much from the bottom of your door can cause noticeable gaps, so it’s always better to start with as thin of a section as possible and work in thin layers until your door no longer sticks.

Generally, hinged French patio doors are considered more secure than sliding glass doors. French doors typically feature a more robust, solid frame that can support multi-point locking systems and deadbolts, securing the door at several points and making them harder to break into. In contrast, sliding doors often rely on a single lock and operate on tracks, which can be a security vulnerability. While you can add security bars and other features to enhance a sliding door's security, a well-made French door is often more secure on its own. Ultimately, the overall security of any patio door depends on the quality of its materials, the locking hardware, and proper installation.

Many doorways feature two door jambs. These are installed on both sides of a doorway to prevent the door from swinging too far. Door jambs usually stop the door at 180 degrees when closed.  A doorway floor transition sits between the door jambs on the floor, helping to create a safer and more aesthetically pleasing transition from one flooring type to the next. 

A prehung door is a door that comes ready to install, already mounted in its frame with hinges and stop molding included. Because everything is factory-aligned, installation is quicker, more precise, and convenient, as you don't need to drill or align the hinges yourself. This makes it a smart option if your current frame is damaged, uneven, or if you're working on a new build. Installation involves fitting the entire unit into the rough opening, shimming and leveling it, and then securing it. If you are replacing an existing prehung door, the process is even simpler, often just requiring you to swap the old unit for the new one and secure it with a few screws. Prehung doors typically cost only slightly more (around $20) than a door slab alone, making them an efficient choice.