How to Hang an Interior Door Slab: Mortise, Hinge & Fit
By WholesaleDoorHub Team · May 2026
Direct answer: Hanging an interior door slab takes 45–90 minutes for an experienced carpenter. The critical steps are: mortise hinges, bore hardware, hang and check reveal, and install strike plate.
Prehung vs. Slab: Installation Time Comparison
| Method | Installation Time | Skill Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prehung (new construction) | 20–40 min per door | Intermediate | New construction, full renovation |
| Slab replacement (existing frame) | 45–90 min per door | Advanced | Renovation, door upgrade |
Tools Required for Slab Door Installation
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Hinge mortise template | Consistent hinge placement |
| Chisel (1" and 1-1/2") | Mortise hinges |
| Drill + 7/8" spade bit | Bore for knob/lever |
| Drill + 1" spade bit | Bore for deadbolt (if applicable) |
| Door jack or wedge | Hold door in position |
| 4-foot level | Check plumb |
| Tape measure | Verify reveal |
| Finish nailer | Install casing (prehung) |
Step-by-Step: Hanging a Door Slab
Step 1: Transfer Hinge Locations
Hold the new slab against the existing frame. Transfer hinge locations from the frame to the new slab using a pencil. Standard hinge placement: 7" from top, 11" from bottom, and center for 3-hinge doors.
Step 2: Mortise Hinges
Use a hinge mortise template for consistent depth. The mortise should be exactly as deep as the hinge leaf — typically 1/8". A mortise that is too deep causes the door to bind; too shallow causes a gap.
Step 3: Bore Hardware
Use a door boring jig for consistent placement. Standard backset is 2-3/8" (most residential) or 2-3/4" (some older homes). Bore the cross-bore (2-1/8" diameter) first, then the edge bore (7/8" diameter).
Step 4: Hang the Door
Set the door in the frame using a door jack or wedge to hold it at the correct height. Install hinge pins. Check the reveal — it should be consistent at 1/8" on all sides. If not, adjust shims or plane the door edge.
Step 5: Install Strike Plate
Close the door and mark the latch bolt location on the frame. Mortise the strike plate to the same depth as the latch bolt. The latch should engage the strike plate cleanly without forcing.
Common Installation Mistakes
| Mistake | Result | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Hinge mortise too deep | Door binds at hinge side | Shim hinge with cardboard |
| Hinge mortise too shallow | Gap at hinge side | Deepen mortise |
| Hardware bore off-center | Knob/lever misaligned | Use boring jig |
| Reveal inconsistent | Door rubs frame | Plane or shim as needed |
FAQ
Q: How long does it take to hang an interior door?
A: Prehung: 20–40 minutes. Slab replacement: 45–90 minutes. First-time installers should budget 50% more time.
Q: Do I need to mortise hinges on a prehung door?
A: No. Prehung doors come with hinges already mortised into the jamb. You only need to fasten the jamb and install casing.
Q: What is the standard reveal for an interior door?
A: 1/8" on all sides (top and both sides). Bottom clearance is typically 3/4"–1" over finished floor.
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