If you're planning on installing a new door, you'll often come across these two types of doors: prehung and slab. The clearest differentiator between the two is that a prehung door comes attached to a frame while a slab door does not include a frame. With price, installation, and available options in mind, we break down the differences between prehung vs. slab doors to help you find the right fit for your project.

What Are Prehung & Slab Doors?

When considering prehung vs. slab doors, you should start by learning the key characteristics of each.

Prehung Doors

Prehung doors come with the door slab (the flat panel that makes up the door) attached to the doorframe with hinges. This ensures that the door and doorframe fit together correctly and make the installation process more streamlined. Though prehung doors include the hinges and doorframe, you'll need to purchase door handles and additional hardware separately.

Tip!

To learn more about prehung doors, read our guide What Is a Prehung Door & Is It Right for Your Home?

Slab Doors

Slab doors, unlike a prehung door, only come with the door slab and will need to be installed in an existing door frame. These doors can come with a precut hole for the door knob, though door knobs and hardware are sold separately.

Tip!

Read our guide What Is a Slab Door & Will It Work for Your Home? to find more information about slab doors.

Note: Not all prehung or slab doors come with a precut bore hole. Make sure to check the product description of each door.

Key Differences: Prehung vs. Slab Doors

Here are the main differences that set prehung and slab doors apart:

• Prehung doors are better suited for new construction or when you need to replace both the door and the frame.
• Slab doors are great for projects where you're replacing the door but not the door frame.
• Slab doors are often more customizable than prehung doors because they come in a larger variety of sizes and can be cut to fit non-standard door frames.
• Prehung doors require less assembly because there is no need to mortise a hinge.
• Because slab doors need to be fitted into an existing frame, it can be more difficult and time-consuming to get a smoothly-swinging fit (especially with an exterior door).
• Prehung doors come with both the door and the door frame – no need to find the perfect match!
• With less materials and a less complicated construction, slab doors are more affordable than prehung doors.

Tip!

Check out our guides Types of Exterior Doors to have Around Your Home and Your Go-To Guide to 15 Interior Door Types for more information about door types.

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