Whether you're replacing an existing door or starting fresh, it's important to know the different types of doors you can choose from. One of the most popular choices – prehung doors – make the installation process a bit smoother and faster. Keep reading below to learn more about what a prehung door is and why you might choose one.

What Is a Prehung Door?

Like the name suggests, a prehung door comes already hung on the door frame. Instead of just receiving a door slab, a prehung door comes attached to a three-panel frame with hinges. They also typically include a cutout where the door handle goes, precut mortises where the lock goes, and precut holes on the frame side where the strike plate will be installed. Plus, prehung doors come in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials to match the style of your home.

Benefits

• Prehung doors include both the door and the frame for a proper fit. Plus, you won't need to build the frame on your own.
• The new door and matching door frame create a fresh, uniform appearance.
• Installing a prehung door is easier and requires less tools.
• The holes for the door knob and strike plate are already precut for added ease.
• Prehung exterior doors come weather-tight so that you don't need to worry about installing a tight, weatherproof seal on the door from scratch.

Considerations

• Prehung doors are more expensive than slab doors, but the convenience can be worth the extra cost.
• They require more precision to install because you have to install the entire unit inside the door opening.
• Prehung doors can be heavier and more difficult to move than slab doors, often weighing over 100 pounds each.
• These doors may be better suited for new construction rather than retrofitting. However, if the door is warped or damaged, then demolishing the existing door and starting fresh with a prehung door is a great option.

Tip!

Slab doors are another common type of door. Where prehung doors come with the slab door and the frame, these doors simply include the slab door. Read our guide Prehung vs. Slab Door: What Is the Difference? to learn more about the differences between the two door types.

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