Service
Door Hanging
Door hanging is about a leaf that fits the opening, closes correctly and works with its frame and hardware. For an internal door replacement, check the whole arrangement rather than buying a leaf by nominal size alone. Describe what is being replaced and why.
The opening comes before the new door
Existing frames are not always square or straight, particularly where a room has changed over time. Measure the opening in more than one place and note whether the current door catches, rattles or sits unevenly. A problem with the frame is not necessarily solved by fitting a new leaf. The surrounding plaster and any loose lining also need consideration.
Explain whether you want a door rehung, an existing leaf adjusted or a replacement installed. Those are different scopes. Our handyman services page places door work alongside other small repairs, but the details of the opening determine this particular job.
Choosing a leaf that can be fitted
Door construction affects how much material may be trimmed and where hardware can be fixed. Hollow-core, solid and veneered products have different manufacturer limits. Taking too much from an edge may weaken the door or damage its finish. Supply the product details before assuming it can be reduced to fit an unusual opening.
Also consider the swing direction, the use of the room and clearance above the floor. A new carpet or tiled threshold may change the available gap. If floor finishes are still being chosen, coordinate them with hanging rather than trimming the door repeatedly as each stage changes.
Hinges, latches and handles
Hinges must suit the door's weight, construction and existing frame. The position of old hinge recesses may not match the new leaf. Latches need to align with the keep so closing does not require lifting or forcing the handle. Reusing existing ironmongery is a choice to assess, not a guarantee that every component remains suitable.
Decide whether handles, latch and hinges will be supplied with the door. Include privacy hardware for a bathroom where required. Finishing around redundant holes or altered recesses should be discussed separately from simply screwing new handles into place.
Special doors are not ordinary replacements
A fire door is an assembly with requirements for its leaf, frame, hardware, gaps and seals. Do not treat it as an ordinary internal door that can be trimmed or rehung without reference to its specification. Shared buildings and protected routes can have particular requirements. Identify these before requesting any alteration and seek appropriately competent advice for the required system.
External, security and specialist glazed doors also need their own assessment. This page describes general internal door hanging and does not claim specialist certification. Tell us the location and door type so an enquiry is not based on an unsuitable assumption about the work.
Finishing and checking the completed fit
Unfinished timber and freshly trimmed edges may need sealing or decoration in line with product instructions. Specify whether painting, staining or making good the frame forms part of the work. A fitted leaf and a fully decorated doorway are not the same quotation. Keep pets and furniture away from the working opening while it is being handled.
Before handover, the practical checks include opening freely, closing into the latch and maintaining the agreed clearances. Use the quote form with photographs of both sides, the hinges and the frame. Mention flooring plans and any previous sticking or movement so the cause can be considered alongside the new door.
Frequently asked questions
Can a door be shortened after a new floor is laid?
Sometimes, within the product limits and any special door requirements. Confirm the construction and required clearance before trimming, particularly for fire doors or thin-edged leaves.
Why might a replacement door still catch?
The frame may be distorted, the floor may have changed or hinge alignment may be wrong. Replacing only the leaf does not automatically correct those underlying conditions.
Do I need to provide new handles with a door?
Agree this in the enquiry. Existing handles and latches may be reusable, but their condition, dimensions and compatibility with the replacement need checking.
Can a fire door be treated like a normal bedroom door?
No. Its performance depends on the complete specified assembly. Identify it before work is planned and obtain advice from someone competent in the applicable fire-door requirements.
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