If you want your home or business to make a great first impression, you need a high-quality exterior door. A sophisticated exterior door immediately boosts curb appeal, protects the interior of the building from the elements, and keeps you safe.
When selecting an exterior door, you’ll have many options to choose from, one of which is a pre-hung door. A pre-hung exterior door is a door slab that comes pre-attached to the frame with hinges, creating a cohesive look and feel. Let’s break down how pre-hung doors work and how they differ from other door types.
What Is a Pre-hung Front Door?
A pre-hung front door consists of three key components: the door slab, the hinges, and the frame. The slab is attached to the frame by three hinges on the side. Some pre-hung doors also come with weather stripping pre-attached, which helps with energy efficiency and temperature control once the door is installed.
With a pre-hung front door, you can install the entire door and frame as one unit, rather than installing them separately. This differs from a slab door, which does not have hinges or a pre-attached frame.
Many pre-hung doors come with a pre-cut hole for the doorknob but do not come with the doorknob attached. They are also cut to accommodate features like the strike plate and fasteners, which are sold separately.
Benefits of Choosing a Pre-hung Door
Pre-hung doors have many advantages that could make them perfect for your next exterior design project. These include:
- Easier installation than slab doors: In many cases, installing a pre-hung door is much simpler and takes less time than installing a slab door. This is because you don’t have to spend extra time putting hinges on the door and manually attaching it to a frame that may or may not match.
- Pre-aligned hinges and frame: With a pre-hung door, all components are properly aligned, ensuring the door sits properly once installed. Aligning a slab door with an existing frame is much more difficult, especially if that existing frame is old and has warped over time.
- Better energy efficiency: Since pre-hung doors are properly aligned, they’re less likely to have gaps between the door and the frame. This means they’re less likely to let outside air and moisture through. Additionally, many pre-hung doors come with weather stripping, which makes them even more energy-efficient.
- Improved security and durability: Pre-hung doors are built to last. Once they’re installed, the frame, hinges, and door maintain a tight fit for years to come, especially with regular maintenance. Additionally, pre-hung exterior doors are made from durable materials engineered for longevity.
- Sleek look: Pre-hung doors can look sophisticated and modern, as the door and the frame are built with matching materials. This contrasts with slab doors, which can look haphazard when installed on a frame of a different material.
Pre-hung Door vs. Slab Door: What’s the Difference?
|
Feature |
Pre-hung Door |
Slab Door |
|
Frame |
Included ✅ |
Not Included ❌ |
|
Pre-cut for strike plate |
Included ✅ |
Not Included ❌ |
|
Hinges |
Included ✅ |
Not Included ❌ |
|
Pre-cut doorknob hole |
Included ✅ |
Not Included ❌ |
|
Mortises cut in door |
Included ✅ |
Not Included ❌ |
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When Should You Choose a Pre-hung Exterior Door?
There are many front door options, and choosing the wrong one can have consequences down the line. So, how do you know if a pre-hung door is right for your home, business, or architectural project?
Pre-hung doors are often the preferred choice for new construction projects. They’re relatively easy for contractors to install and come pre-cut for essentials like strike plates, doorknobs, and mortises, making them a time-saving and cost-effective option.
A pre-hung door may also be preferred if you’re renovating a building with an old exterior door frame. Finding the right slab door to match an existing frame is very difficult, especially if you’re trying to achieve a specific aesthetic. With a pre-hung door, you can feel confident knowing that the door will be properly aligned and the materials will match.
Signs your existing frame may need replacement
Pre-hung doors are particularly useful when dealing with an old, warped, and/or damaged frame. Exterior door frames typically last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. However, their exact lifespan can vary based on factors like climate, material, and frequency of use.
If your door frame shows any of the following signs, it’s time to install a new one:
- Leaks: Cold air or moisture leaks into your home, even when the door is shut.
- Worn-out caulking: The caulk around your door frame is cracking or peeling or has signs of mold.
- Difficulty opening or closing door: If you’re struggling to open or close the door, it's a sign that the frame has warped and the door isn’t sitting properly.
- Sagging frame: The frame isn’t maintaining its shape and starts to droop or hang awkwardly.
- Cracks or dents: The wood on the door frame shows visible signs of damage, including cracks, dents, splits, or rotting.
- High energy bill: Your energy bills are consistently high despite keeping the door closed. This is a sign that the door is leaking air.
How to Measure for a Pre-hung Exterior Door
To measure for a pre-hung door, you’ll need a rigid tape measurer. Start by measuring the width of the rough opening at the top, middle, and bottom, and record the smallest of the three. Repeat the process for the door height. Then, measure the distance between the exterior and interior trim to estimate the jamb depth.
Pre-hung Exterior Door Installation & Care Tips
Use the following tips to make installing and maintaining your pre-hung door as easy as possible:
- Use caulk for energy efficiency: Caulking an exterior door frame prevents drafts, moisture, and pests from entering. Sealing the door during the initial installation process results in better climate control for your property.
- Periodically check hinge screws: Hinge screws can loosen over time as you use your door. Check them every year or so and re-tighten them as needed.
- Repaint or re-stain every few years: Over time, the paint or stain on your exterior door will wear down due to exposure to the elements. When it starts to look dull, apply a new coat to keep it looking fresh.
Choose Grand Entry Doors for Your Pre-hung Exterior Door
Pre-hung doors have an appealing, cohesive look and are easy to install, making them ideal for exterior doors. Whether you’re looking for pre-hung or slab doors, Grand Entry Doors offers a wide selection of striking exterior doors, masterfully crafted with both function and style in mind. Each door is fashioned with premium materials and can be customized to fit your needs and design preferences. Plus, we offer nationwide shipping for your convenience. Shop our exterior doors today to find the perfect design for your next project.
FAQs About Pre-hung Exterior Doors
Can I install a pre-hung door myself?
Yes, installing a pre-hung door yourself is possible, especially if you have basic DIY skills. Since the hinges come pre-attached, the installation process is fairly simple.
Do pre-hung doors come with weather stripping?
Yes, pre-hung doors come with weather stripping pre-installed.
How do I know if I need a left- or right-hand swing?
If you’re replacing an existing door, stand outside the door facing the frame. If the hinges are on the left, you’ll need a left-hand door, and if the hinges are on the right, you’ll need a right-hand door. For new construction, consider which option will work better with the rest of the design and whether you’d like the door to open inwards or outwards.
Can I customize a pre-hung door?
Yes, it’s possible to customize a pre-hung door to meet your design specifications. For example, you can modify the hardware or adjust the hinge placement. Learn more about our custom doors.
