The Simple, One-Day Renovation That Actually Makes A Huge Difference

It's hard enough deciding on the right time to start a home renovation, but it can be a lot of work as well. However, it can make a big difference on how your home looks and even your quality of life. Even if you don't have a lot of time to dedicate to a full renovation, there are some projects that you can do in one day that will still have a big impact on your space. One home renovation project that can be relatively quick is changing out your interior doors, and while there are a few different types of doors to choose from, solid wood can make a big impact.

One of the more popular styles for affordable interior doors is hollow core doors. These doors are made with a thin layer of wood over a plastic or cardboard interior that is structured in a honeycomb style. Typically, these doors are more lightweight and not as durable as a solid door. They do not block noise effectively and are not the best for insulation purposes. On the other hand, solid wood doors are sturdier, heavier, and even energy efficient, but they are also a great choice for noise reduction, offering more privacy. Plus, they can help retain warmth in the winter and keep cooler air in during the summer. 

Choosing solid wood doors for inside your home can help to elevate your space thanks to the aesthetic quality of the wood itself. You can choose different wood tones, types, and textures to customize your space any way you want. And, it can be an easier project to take on versus some other home renovations. 

To make your new door installation a one-day project, you'll want to use the existing door frame. It's important to check the frame once you remove the existing door, as it needs to be in good condition, level, and straight. If you need to remove the entire frame, a prehung door might be necessary for this project. When preparing to install a new interior door, make sure that you measure the opening for the door, checking the height and width of the space. 

Your new door needs to fit inside of the existing frame with approximately an ⅛ inch of space at the top and sides of the door, while the space at the bottom needs about ⅜ inch to accommodate the flooring. You may need to trim the door down, which can be done with a plane for smaller trims and circular saw for larger trims. However, keep in mind that most doors can only be trimmed so far, so purchase a door that fits the frame opening as closely as possible. 

Using the old door as a guide, mark off where the hinges and knob need to be. Using wedges and shims to dry fit the door's placement will help ensure the proper gaps around the door and that the hinges, strike plate on the door jamb, and the latch are all properly aligned. Carefully chisel out the hinge mortises for installation. This is also when you'll use a door latch installation kit. Finally, attach the hinges and hang your door in the frame. Keep the bottom wedges in place while you work to screw the hinges into the frame easier.