DOOR HANGING IN DEVON AND CORNWALL
Getting the fit right from the start
By Kevin Hampton, Colt Carpentry Devon
A door is something you use every day, and you soon notice when it isn't fitted properly. It catches on the carpet, needs lifting to close, or rattles every time someone opens a window. Getting the fitting right makes a real difference to how a room feels and how easy it is to use.
For me, hanging a door is about taking the time to get the details right. The door should sit neatly in the frame, open comfortably and close without needing a shove. The hinges, handles and latch all need to work together.
I grew up around the construction trade, and carpentry and joinery have always been the part I enjoy most. Through Colt Carpentry Devon, I offer internal and external door fitting across Devon and Cornwall, including Plymouth, Tavistock, Bere Alston, Okehampton and Exeter.
If you're thinking about replacing your doors, here's what goes into the job and what I would look at before getting started.
START WITH THE FRAME
Before choosing a new door, I would always have a good look at the existing frame. A smart new door still needs a sound frame to hang from.
Loose joints, damaged hinge positions and timber that has started to rot all need attention. It's also worth checking whether the frame is square. In older properties, you can't assume the opening is the same width from top to bottom.
Sometimes the existing frame can be kept with a few repairs. Other times, replacing it is the better starting point. I would rather explain that at the beginning than fit a new door onto something that is already causing problems.
CHOOSING A DOOR THAT SUITS YOUR HOME
The style matters, but so does the way the door will be used. You might want traditional panelled doors to suit an older house, a simple painted finish, or glazed doors to help light move between rooms.
The weight and construction also affect the fitting. A heavier door needs suitable hinges and secure fixing points. Handles and latches should suit the door as well as the look you're after.
Before ordering, check that the door is suitable for the opening. There is a limit to how much material can be removed, and this varies between manufacturers and door designs. Buying a larger door and assuming it can be cut down can turn into an expensive mistake.
If you're unsure, getting the opening checked before buying can save a lot of trouble.
MEASURING PROPERLY
I wouldn't rely on one measurement across the middle of the frame. The width needs checking at different heights, along with the height on both sides and the depth available for the door.
The floor matters too. A door might clear the floor when closed but catch as it swings open. If new carpet, tiles or other flooring are planned, that needs discussing before the door is fitted.
An old door can be a useful reference, but it shouldn't be treated as a perfect template. If it never fitted properly, copying it will carry the same problems over to the replacement.
GETTING READY FOR THE JOB
Accurate fitting starts with the right tools and a proper working space. Depending on the door and frame, the job can involve a tape measure, square, level, sharp chisels, drill, screwdrivers and a planer or suitable saw. Door wedges or a lifter help support the door while it is being positioned.
I also consider the hinges, screws, latch and handles before starting. Finding halfway through that the fittings are unsuitable only holds the job up.
Doors can be awkward to move, particularly heavier ones. Supporting the door securely and protecting the surrounding area are part of preparing the job properly.
HOW I APPROACH HANGING A DOOR
Removing the old door
The old door needs supporting while the hinges are released so its weight doesn't pull against the remaining screws or damage the frame. Once it is out of the way, the hinge recesses and fixing points can be inspected properly.
Fitting the door to the opening
Any trimming needs to stay within the manufacturer's allowance. I work towards a fit that allows the door to move freely and leaves tidy, appropriate clearances around it.
It's worth taking time here. You can remove a little more timber if needed, but putting it back is a different matter.
Setting out the hinges
The hinges need to suit the door's weight and construction, and their positions must line up accurately. Existing hinge recesses may be usable, but that depends on their condition and the requirements of the new door.
A neatly cut recess allows the hinge to sit properly. If the depth or position is wrong, it can affect how the door sits and whether it closes comfortably.
Hanging and adjusting
Once the door is supported in the opening and secured, I check its movement through the full swing. I look for rubbing, uneven clearances and anything that puts strain on the hinges.
This is where small adjustments can make a big difference. The aim is for the door to work easily in everyday use.
Fitting the latch and handles
The latch and its plate on the frame need to meet accurately. You shouldn't have to lift the handle or push hard against the door to make the latch engage.
Handle positioning also deserves some thought, particularly when matching other doors in the house. Once fitted, I check the complete operation again.
THE FINISHING MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Freshly worked edges need attention as well as the visible faces. Finishing and sealing should follow the door manufacturer's instructions, including any edges altered during fitting.
Whether you're planning paint, oil or another approved finish, it's worth agreeing who is doing that work and when. A factory-finished door can still need its trimmed areas treated.
A suitable door stop can also help prevent the handle from hitting a wall or nearby furniture. It's a small addition that can save damage later.
WHAT ABOUT EXTERNAL DOORS
An external door has more to deal with than an internal one. Alongside a good fit, the frame, threshold, seals and locking arrangements all need consideration.
If the frame has rotten timber or the threshold is damaged, simply replacing the door may leave the underlying problem unresolved. I would look at the whole opening and discuss the work needed.
Garden rooms, outbuildings and older homes can each present different fitting challenges. The right approach starts with seeing what is there.
WHY A DOOR STARTS STICKING
A door that catches doesn't always need replacing. Loose hinges, worn fixing points, changes to flooring or timber movement can all affect how it works.
The first step is to find the cause. Planing the edge straight away could remove timber unnecessarily if the actual problem is a loose hinge.
Where an adjustment or repair is practical, that may be all the door needs.
DOOR FITTING FROM COLT CARPENTRY DEVON
Whether you're replacing one troublesome door or updating several rooms, I can discuss the fitting and any work needed to the frames.
I cover Devon and Cornwall, including Plymouth, Exeter, Tavistock, Okehampton and Bere Alston. To talk through your door fitting project, contact Kevin at Colt Carpentry Devon on 07970 054412. Photos of the doors and frames are a useful starting point.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Can you fit a new door into my existing frame?
Often, yes, provided the frame is sound and suitable for the replacement. I would check its condition and measurements before advising whether it can be kept, repaired or replaced.
Can any door be trimmed to fit?
No. Trimming allowances vary, and some doors have very little spare material around the edges. The manufacturer's instructions need checking before buying or cutting the door.
Can I buy the doors myself?
If you're planning to buy your own doors, get in touch before ordering so we can discuss the sizes, fittings and any restrictions. This helps avoid buying something unsuitable for the opening.
Do new doors need new hinges and handles?
Not always. Existing fittings may be reusable if they are in good condition and suitable for the new door. Heavier doors or a different design may need different hardware.
How long does it take to hang a door?
It depends on the door, the condition of the frame and the fittings required. A straightforward replacement takes less work than a door needing frame repairs and new hardware. Once I've seen what is involved, I can give a clearer idea of the time needed.
How much does door fitting cost?
The price depends on the number and type of doors, the hardware and any work needed to the frames. Contact me with the details and some photographs so I can discuss the job and arrange a quote.
My door catches on the floor. Does it need replacing?
Not necessarily. It may need an adjustment, attention to the hinges or suitable trimming. I would check why it is catching before recommending the work.
Should I fit new flooring before replacing my doors?
It helps to know the finished floor level before setting the clearance beneath a door. If flooring is being replaced as part of the same project, let me know so the work can be planned together.
Will you paint or finish the doors?
Please mention any painting or finishing you want when discussing the job so the quote is clear about what is included. The door manufacturer's finishing instructions should always be followed.
Do you fit external doors and garden room doors?
Yes, internal and external door fitting are part of the work I offer. For an external or garden room door, I would also check the frame and threshold before discussing the replacement.
Which areas do you cover?
I work across Devon and Cornwall, including Bere Alston, Tavistock, Plymouth, Okehampton and Exeter. Call 07970 054412 to discuss your location and what you need doing.
