How Long Does it Take to Hang a Door?

Hanging a new door is one of those jobs that can go smoothly and take about two hours for an internal door. However, security doors and glazed doors can be a little more complex.

In some cases, it's worth using a professional contractor or carpenter, especially if you need to adjust the door frame or don't have the tools required to plane edges.

This guide explains how long it typically takes to hang a door, the equipment you'll need, and considerations to ensure your project goes to plan.

Factors Impacting How Long it Takes to Hang a Door

If every door frame and door were the same material and size, it would be much easier to hang a replacement door and estimate how long it will take!

Many things can affect the duration of this project, such as:

• The condition of the existing frame and lining.
• How heavy the door is to move.
• Whether the frames are perfectly straight and square.
• The locking or handle mechanisms you wish to use.

While we've mentioned that a simple inside door takes about two hours, you're looking at five or six hours for an external door. 

Internal doors are quicker since they are lighter, usually have far fewer locks, and don't require lots of finishes like weatherproofing, caulking and flashing.

Other Considerations in Hanging a Door

Heavy doors and those with double or triple glazing are invariably at least a two-person job. 

These panels' sheer weight and size mean that it's not advisable to attempt the work yourself since there is a substantial risk of injury or dropping the door.

Fire doors and safety doors also need to have greater movement than a standard internal door and may have specific installation requirements to ensure they provide sufficient protection.

You'll also be able to hang a door faster if you have all the equipment you need to hand:

• First, you'll need a crowbar to remove the old frame and trims, making sure not to cause damage if you intend to reinstall it.
• Second, use a level and set square (quality carpenter's tools are best since they're made from rigid metal). You'll use these to square the opening and ensure that the floor is perfectly level.
• If the opening isn't perfect, that might mean rebuilding the opening or planing a wooden door to slot into the space.
• Installing the frame requires wooden shims placed close to the hinges. You'll need a hammer and nails to attach the frame and shims to the studwork, using your level to check everything is square.
• A box cutter or wood chisel is the easiest way to trim any exposed shims.
• Once the frame is finished and accurate, you can screw the hinges to the frame and then to the door - and your newly hung door is complete.

We've discussed the tools required to hang a new wooden door, but plastic, metal or solid wood doors may require different equipment.