Tip Corner - Important Points To Remember - Hollow Core Door Install

INSTALLING AN INTERIOR SLAB DOOR: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

Many people might not realize it, but when installing an interior slab door, understanding the difference between the Inside Swing side and the Outside Swing side is crucial. If you inspect the edge of a door closely, you will notice a slight beveled edge. This subtle feature is key to ensuring your door fits and operates correctly.

IDENTIFY THE BEVELLED EDGE

The door’s beveled edge plays an essential role in how the door swings. It's vital to make sure the narrow edge of the door swings into the frame as it closes, while the wider edge swings out or away from the frame. Picture it like a cork in a bottle—the narrow wedge goes in, and the wide side stays flush with the frame edge. Reversing the angle during installation can lead to the need for planing, increasing both your labor time and frustration levels.

STEP BY STEP INSTALLATION PROCESS

Measure and Cut for Hinges: Start by measuring and cutting for your hinges on both the frame and the door edge. Precision here will save time and trouble later.

Initial Installation: With your hinges prepared, install the door using just a couple of screws. This temporary setup allows you to test the door’s swing without committing to a full installation.

Testing the Swing: Test the door swing to ensure it fits properly within the frame. This step is crucial to catch any misalignments early on.

Drill for Handle and Latch Assembly: Once you're satisfied with the door’s fit, proceed to drill the hole for the handle and latch assembly. This ensures that all elements align correctly, reducing the need for future adjustments.

AVOIDING COMMON PITFALLS

If you drill your handle hole before testing your doors fit, you might find yourself needing to plane or trim a finished door edge for a proper fit. Should this occur, always cut from the hinge side of the door. Planing or sanding the handle side can negatively affect the alignment of the handle and latch, (reducing the handle edge will essentially "Move" your handle hole closer to the doors edge giving you a latch that could now be too long) potentially rendering the door unusable.

By following these steps and paying close attention to the beveled edge, you can streamline the installation process, saving time and ensuring a perfect fit for your interior slab door.

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