- 1). Measure the rough opening size where you want to install a new door. You'll need the dimensions horizontally, from stud to stud, and vertically, from the floor to the top of the opening.
- 2). Purchase a new door. Most residential doors are sold as pre-hung units, meaning that the door is already hung on the frame (see Resources below). This is by far the easiest type of door to install, and leads to the fewest mistakes. You'll want a unit that is around 1 inch smaller than the rough opening you measured, in both length and height.
- 3). Slide the new unit into the opening, bottom first, making sure the unit is centered within the opening. Also make sure the door is swinging in the desired direction; typically you want a door to open into the room, though with closets, you'll want the door to swing out so there's maximum space inside the closet itself.
- 4). Use three nails on each jamb to hold the unit in place temporarily. Don't hammer these nails in all the way yet, as you'll probably have to remove them to adjust the door.
- 5). Examine the spacing along the jambs to make sure it's even. If it's not, place wooden shims between the jambs and the studs to adjust the spacing, and nail the shims into place.
- 6). Use your level to give the door one final check to ensure it is plumb. Use more shims to get it even if necessary.
- 7). Nail the unit into place, making sure to countersink the temporary nails you installed previously.
- 8). Apply blue painter's tape to the frame of your new door and touch up the paint around the frame as necessary. When it dries, remove the tape and install any trim kits that came with the door.
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