How Long Does It Take To Install an Interior Door?

Installing an interior door can be a manageable home improvement project, especially with the right preparation and tools. If you're wondering how long it takes to install a door, the answer depends on the door type and your experience. 

On average, installing an interior door takes between three and six hours–less if it’s prehung, and more if you're working with a slab door or an uneven frame. Whether you’re replacing a worn-out door or upgrading to a wooden interior door for added style and durability, knowing what to expect can help you plan the job efficiently.

For homeowners weighing the pros and cons, it helps to do a solid door value comparison before getting started, especially if you're deciding between hollow core, solid wood, or MDF options. You might also consider painting wood panels or trim around the door to match your updated interior. 

If you're opting for a DIY interior door installation, allow extra time to measure, square the opening, install the frame, and add hinges and hardware. With patience and the right approach, even first-time DIYers can achieve a professional-looking result that boosts both function and aesthetics!

Several steps go into installing an interior door. You must replace the frame, remove the trim, and adjust the rough opening. Furthermore, there can always be setbacks that delay your progress and increase the installation time.

This is a quick step that can usually be done in around thirty minutes; you need a long level and a carpenter square for this. The goal of this step is to make sure that the opening for the door is square. Not having a perfectly square opening can cause some unwanted issues.

If the opening is not completely square, you’ll have to rebuild the rough opening. This will turn thirty minutes of your time into a day's worth of work.

Now, it’s time to install the frame of the interior door. This step usually takes around an hour or less to complete. Make sure everything is level, and add shims to center the frame if necessary.

Ensure the jambs are flush with the door, and make sure everything remains square and level. Nail the frame and shim into the studs, then add shims on the other side of the door and even on top of the door frame as needed. Keep checking that everything remains level.

The thing that is most likely to go wrong in this step is leveling. Keeping everything level throughout the whole step can be challenging–take your time.

After ensuring that the door works flawlessly, it’s time to secure the frame. Drive the nails all the way through into the frame, and trim off the exposed shims. This last step can take around thirty minutes to an hour to complete.

After installing the frame, you should be ready to install your door–but before that, line up all the hinges on the door slab where you want to place them and then mark them. Create holes in the marked areas and screw the hinges in. 

After this, it’s time to secure the door to the frame using pins. All of this should take around an hour.

If you used a slab of wood for your interior door, then you probably have to drill out your own hole and install a doorknob.

For a comprehensive overview of the most popular interior door styles and expert tips on choosing the right one for your home, explore this detailed interior door style guide.

Several factors come into play when determining the installation time of an interior door. Whether the door is prehung or a slab is a factor, as is the installer’s experience. A skilled carpenter can do all of the above in about three hours; if it’s your first time, it will likely take longer. Don’t rush yourself, and you’ll end up with a finished project you’ll enjoy for years to come! 

Explore our stylish selection of interior doors with frosted glass to add privacy and elegance to your home.