Door Fitting Do’s and Don’ts With Finewood Doors
Fitting a door might seem like a straightforward job. Measure up, screw in some hinges, job done. But in practice, there are a few things that can go wrong. Whether you’re planning to fit a door yourself or you’re hiring someone to do it, knowing what to watch out for can save you a lot of hassle.
At Finewood Doors in Falkirk, we speak to plenty of customers who’ve run into trouble after a poor fit. The door sticks. It won’t close properly. It swings open on its own. In some cases, it needs to come off completely and be refitted from scratch. All of this costs time and money.
DIY Door Fitting
So here’s a useful guide to the most common door fitting mistakes, and how you can avoid them.
Whether you’re working on a new build, doing a bit of DIY at home, or renovating a property, this advice can help make sure your doors look good and work properly from day one.
Measuring the Opening Incorrectly
This is by far the most common mistake, and it usually happens before the door is even purchased. Measuring once and guessing the rest rarely ends well. A small error can lead to large gaps, rubbing, or a door that just won’t fit.
What to do instead
Measure the height and width of the opening in three places each. Use the smallest measurement and check whether your frame is square. Don’t forget to account for the flooring, any underlay, and the height of the door threshold if you’re working on an external door.
Not Checking the Frame or Lining
People often assume the frame is straight and level, especially in newer properties. But even a slight twist or bow in the frame can cause problems. If you hang a perfectly straight door on a wonky frame, you’re going to get uneven gaps or movement over time.
What to do instead
Before fitting the door, check that the frame is level and plumb using a spirit level. You should also check the corners are square. If the frame is out, fix that first before moving on. If you’re hiring a joiner, make sure they’ve checked the frame properly before getting started.
Trimming Too Much Off the Door
Some doors need trimming to fit. But trimming too much from one side, or cutting below the manufacturer’s recommended allowance, can damage the structure of the door. Hollow core doors in particular can’t be trimmed much before you hit open space inside.
What to do instead
Always check the door’s product information. At Finewood Doors, we provide trimming allowances for every door. Spread the trim equally from each side unless the frame demands otherwise. Use a sharp plane or saw and take off a little at a time.
Poor Hinge Placement
It’s not just about putting the hinges on – it’s about putting them in the right place. Hinges that are too close to the top or bottom of the door, or spaced unevenly, can cause the door to sag or not close flush.
What to do instead
Standard practice is to fit three hinges on most doors. The top hinge should sit around 175mm down from the top, the bottom hinge around 250mm up from the floor, and the middle one evenly between them. Chisel out the recesses so that the hinges sit flush with the edge of the door and frame. If they stick out, the door won’t close properly.
Not Allowing for Expansion and Contraction
Wooden doors, especially solid timber ones, can swell or shrink depending on temperature and humidity. This is a natural part of how wood behaves, but it can cause sticking or rubbing if not accounted for.
What to do instead
Leave a 2–3mm gap all the way around the door when hanging it. You can use matchsticks or coin spacers to help with this while marking out the hinges. If you’re fitting in winter, the door may expand in summer, so be especially cautious about tight gaps.
Skipping the Seal and Finish
Once a door has been hung and looks good, many people forget the last and most important step which is sealing it properly. Unsealed edges can absorb moisture, warp, or discolour over time.
What to do instead
Seal all edges of the door, including the top and bottom, with a suitable wood finish, primer, paint, or varnish. This is especially important for bathroom doors and external doors, where humidity levels change more often. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance. If the door comes unfinished, it’s your job (or your joiner’s job) to finish it correctly.
Fitting Handles and Latches Incorrectly
Handles that are too low or too high, latches that don’t line up with the keep, or locks that don’t sit flush – all of these are avoidable problems. If done poorly, they make the door hard to use and look unprofessional.
What to do instead
Measure carefully before drilling. Standard handle height is around 1000mm from the floor, but this can vary depending on style and preference. Always check the latch is aligned before screwing in the keep plate. And if you’re drilling for a mortice lock or tubular latch, take your time – splintered edges can ruin the look of a new door.
Using the Wrong Tools or Screws
Some doors are damaged during fitting simply because the wrong tools were used. Forcing screws, overtightening hinges, or drilling without a pilot hole can all split timber.
What to do instead
Use sharp, quality tools and the correct screws for the job. Pre-drill pilot holes to avoid splitting, and always use a level to check your work as you go. If you’re not sure what tools you need, ask before starting – or consider hiring someone who knows what they’re doing.
Hiring a Tradesperson Without Checking Their Work
Even if you’re not door fitting by yourself, you still need to keep an eye on how the work is done. Not all tradespeople do the job to the same standard. We’ve had customers call us after a professional has made a mess of a good door.
What to do instead
Ask questions before they start. Have they measured properly? Are they using three hinges? Do they plan to seal the edges? Once the job is finished, check the gaps, swing, latch, and finish. The door should open and close smoothly, with even spacing all round.
Visit Finewood Doors in Falkirk?
Door fitting is about performance and longevity too. A badly fitted door can stick, sag, or even need replacing long before its time. Whether you’re doing it yourself or bringing in a professional, a bit of care at each stage makes all the difference.
If you’re in the market for new internal or external doors, or you need advice on fitting, come and visit us at Finewood Doors in Falkirk. We’ve got Scotland’s largest door showroom, and we’re always on hand to offer straight-talking, practical help.
