[chrisBC]

^ What he said.

Unless you have the tools, and are an experienced carpenter or DIYer, don't try to install slab doors.


Regarding the "real lumberyard" versus "apparently fake lumberyard" debate... You will get what you pay for. If you are framing in the wall, and do it correctly, you can get standard sized pre-hung doors from any of the box stores - doors that will be perfectly fine, and very easy to install. You'll be able to find doors in all styles and price ranges. If you want cheap, you can get them. If you want expensive solid-core doors, you can get them too.

If you need to retrofit an off-standard door, you won't find them at the box stores.

The doors being referred to are probably the stain grade solid pine doors-at HD.They only come in slabs, not pre-hung; guess they are meant more for retrofits.

 

[chrisBC]

Hi,

I am finishing my basement and am curious to know if there is a preferrence between pre hung door vs non pre hung. My wife likes a style of door that does not come in a pre hung form....they are solid doors and I am curious if I am making a lot more work by going this route. Is there any advantage vs disadvantage to going this route....any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

JEB

So by finishing your basement I take it there are no doorframes currently in place where you want to install the doors?

If this is the case you would have to make your own doorframe or have the door pre-hung. In that case pre-hung is much less labour wise.

If you have doorframes in place where you want to install the new ones , you have the option to hang the door in the opening; if this something you would be comfortable doing.

Just remember a solid door should have 3 hinges, so it may be necessary to add a middle hinge to the frame.

I find this is only worth doing when the frame is in good condition as well as the casing (trim) and you want to avoid the labour of redoing all the trim and whatnot. I.E. when everything is all painted and pretty and fine as it is. I do it for upgrading doors (hollow to solid) or replacing a damaged door, I find this is the way to go. You can buy a jig to drill out for the door hardware.

I don't know you are working with so just throwing it out there.