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and measure from one edge of the door to the other. A key point to remember, when measuring to replace a slab only is that your opening should be 1-1/2"-2" wider than the door slab. This allows for a perfect and tight fit.

Depending on the type of hinges you plan to use, getting the key measurements for proper hinge placement is key to make it easier and cleaner installation. On new slabs, you will have to mortise out the side of the door for the hings. To place the them perfectly you will have to get the proper measurements.

You will want to measure from the top of the old slab to the top of the uppermost hinge, then top of the slab to the top of the next hinge and so one. All hardware stores and big box home improvement retailers sell "butt markers." This is a tool that will make an indentation in the side of the slab that make it easier to chisel out the side of the door to place to hing properly.

To make sure you place your door knob properly, you will measure from the bottom of the old slab to the center of the hole on the old slab. Once again, all hardware stores and the big box retailers sell kits for as little as $12-13 to make the hole for the knob and latch. These kits contain a template for the hole as well as the proper sized hole saw blade and drill bit for making the holes.

The last key thing, and probably the most confusing part, of buying a new door, whether it is a slab or pre-hung, is figuring the swing of the door. There are four possible ways a door can swing: in to the left or right and out to the left or right.

The easiest way to figure this out is called the butt-to-butt method. Go to your current door and place your backside on the hinges. Now does the door swing to the left or right? Does it swing into the room or house or does it swing out away from the room or house?

Another key factor is that most "Inswing" doors cannot be flipped around to be made "Outswing". Especially exterior doors. First of all this would expose the hinges to easy dismantling allowing easier access for criminals to home and belongings. Secondly, the thresholds, which are located at the bottom of the doors, are designed to keep wind and rain out of the house. This could potentially open your home to significant heating and cooling loss. However, interior doors do not have a threshold and exposing the hings might make it easier should the need ever arise for an emergency without destroying the door.

Pre-hung doors do cost a little more than a slab door, however, by the time you figure the purchase of hinges, butt-marker, hole saw, door knob and the time you take to install all of those plus installing the door, the cost of a pre-hung is just about the same if not a little less.

Do not forget to check with your local lumber yard or big box retailer for installation services. Why bust your tail, when you can have a licensed professional do it for you! But if you decide to tackle this task yourself, they also have plenty of free brochures that will guide you step-by-step.

Congratulations on your purchase and good luck in designing your dream home.

How do I know all of this? I was a Millwork Department Supervisor for The Home Depot!

Learn more about this author, Michael Burke.
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