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randyshoe · Jul 16, 2006, 01:41 PM

Is it possible to replace the front doors and hinges without replacing the entire door casing? We are interested in replacing the front doors and are looking for an inexpensive way of doing it. :confused:

skiberger · Jul 16, 2006, 02:28 PM

Sure you can replace the door and hinges w/o replacing the whole jamb unit. Measure up the door and go buy a new one . The only thing is the hinges may not line up where the existing hinges did on the jamb so you may have to remortise the jambs.
When purchasing a door by itself w/o jambs its called a "slab".

randyshoe · Jul 16, 2006, 07:20 PM

Thanks. Can you tell me in more detail what you mean by "remortise the jambs"? Randy

RickJ · Jul 17, 2006, 03:08 AM

Remortising the jambs means routing out the places where the hinges go.

Like this:
http://www.door.cc/How-To-Hang-A-Door.html

JoeySmoey · Jul 17, 2006, 07:44 PM

It can certainly be done, as you've read. I actually went this route, replacing the door without the replacing the casing. However, it may actually be more work. We had to trip, and shape the door to get it to fit into the old space. You may also loose some energy efficiency by doing this. If I had to do it over, I would probably replace the whole thing.

RickJ · Jul 18, 2006, 02:41 AM

Randy, joey is right on. I'd have said so, but you asked about remortising.

Hanging a pre-hung is easier than most think. In fact, for a diy'er I'd call hanging pre-hung easier than remortising a slab.

Are you dead set on using the frame that's there? If so, is it because you were thinking hanging a pre-hung is harder?

the_nite_owl · Jul 31, 2006, 07:47 AM

Not to hijack randyshoe's thread but I have considered going with a slab rather than a pre-hung myself because replacing the framing around the door may involve modification to the aluminum siding outside and the inside walls use a solid, thin fibre board rather than drywall and would be more difficult to deal with. randyshoe may have similar issues that would complicate a DIY door replacement.