Have you ever stopped to really think about what makes up a home’s interior design? Yes, you can decorate, buy nice furniture, paintings and the like. But there’s much more to design than decorations. Your home’s actual construction gives off more character than any painting ever could. Your windows, walls, and especially doors can make your home truly your own. Though most people seem to overlook the humble door when they’re renovating or redecorating their home. After all, doors are plain, right? Wrong! An enormous amount of door types exist, each with their own unique colors, shapes, sizes and more. So to help you get started selecting the perfect new doors for your home, we’re bringing you our complete guide to new door installation.

Installation Basics

First thing’s first. When you’re thinking about installing new doors, you can’t run before you can walk. That is, there are some basics to cover before getting started.

First and foremost, who’s installing your door? Yourself? A contractor? A third-party service? The door manufacturer?

Deciding on your best option means understand who does what…

Choosing Your Installer

In general, manufacturers usually offer the best option for most people looking to install new doors. They know their products and have experience in getting them installed quickly and cheaply.

Contractors and other third-party services are generally more expensive, and take more time to get the job done. While the installation time might stay the same, it takes far more time to choose a reputable service.

The final option, installing the doors yourself, is the cheapest but also the most difficult path. If you’re not much for DIY, door installation is best left to the pros.

Installation Methods 101

New door installation methods vary depending on what type of door you’re installing. While choosing a method doesn’t actually matter until after you’ve chosen a style, we’re still filing it under installation basics.

Pocket Installation

Pocket installation does not refer to pocket doors! Sometimes called sliding doors due to their mechanism, pocket doors slide in and out of the wall. Pocket installation instead refers to door installation into an existing frame.

This type of installation works best for those considering minor adjustments to their home. Your new doors are fit into existing frames. It’s cheap, quick, and won’t interrupt your life.

However, pocket installation comes with drawbacks. You’re limited to doors that can fit your existing frame. This means either cutting basic doors and installing them to fit the doorjamb, or buying pre-hung doors that can fit your frame.

Basic doors require more effort as they need custom fitting (cutting, sanding, new hinges, etc.) to fit into your frame. Though you’ll have more choices in style, color, and shape with simple doors.

Pre-hung doors are easier to install but limit your creative options. Only certain pre-hung doors will fit your frame, and any alterations could prevent your new door from aligning properly with the doorjamb.

Full-Frame Installation

Full frame installation means just what it sounds like; installing an entire door frame from scratch. This could mean replacing existing frames or even cutting new holes for doors.

During this type of installation new frames, a doorjamb, and trim are all installed into an existing or new opening. While this custom installation takes more time and costs more money, it offers greater flexibility.

This makes it great for people looking to install basic doors. You’re able to customize your new door to any style, look, or fit.

Though for a full-frame installation especially you’ll want to hire someone with extensive working knowledge of new door installation. Fitting a new frame and cutting a new door takes years of experience.

Your New Door Installation Style Guide

Beyond choosing an installer and installation method you’ll need to decide what kind of door works best with your home. That is, what style you’re looking for.

Door styles are extremely varied, and so your choices are probably far greater than you’d initially think. Let’s take a look at the different style options available.

Door Styles

• Basic Doors: Without any real name other than “basic doors,” these are your everyday doors. You probably already have them installed throughout your house. These doors are cheap and can come in a variety of decorative styles. Full frame or pocket installation.
• French Doors: French doors are double doors adorned with small glass windows. Their classic design makes them great for separating two or more “social rooms.” For example, a living room and a dining room. Often requires a full-frame installation.

• Pocket Doors: Mentioned above, pocket doors slide into your “wall” (really a door frame). They’re perfect for dividing two often used spaces. These doors cost more to install but lend a minimalistic look to the home. Often requires a full-frame installation.

• Bypass Doors: These closet doors slide over one another to open your closet one side at a time. Like pocket doors, they lend a clean look to your home.

• Storm Doors: Depending on the climate, you might consider installing storm doors in outside doorways. These doors use seals to keep the heat in, and the cold out. They can save significant money on heating during the winter. Full frame or pocket installation

With so much variation in door style, there’s something for every home and everyone. Each of the designs above also come with subtle differences that can add to your home’s flair.

Getting Started

If you’re ready to get started installing new doors, consider getting in touch with us. Our experts not only install doors but can help you find the perfect doors for your home.

We carry a wide selection of doors where you’re sure to find something you like. From pocket to French doors, we have something for everyone, and then some.

Our ability to both sell and install doors means we’re a step above the competition. Our technicians know our inventory well, making new door installation quick and affordable.

If you’re ready to give your home some new flair, don’t wait, let us help you today!