What you'll need
Fire doors in rental properties are a legal requirement in certain locations. They must be installed correctly, with intumescent strips, to meet Building Regulations.
Step-by-step guide
- Measure the openingMeasure the door frame opening: height at both sides, width at top and bottom. Frames are rarely perfectly square. Your door needs to be cut to fit with a 2mm gap on each side and top, 8mm at the bottom (for carpet clearance).
- Trim the door to sizeUsing a circular saw with a guide, trim the door to width and height. Remove equal amounts from each side if possible to preserve the door's integrity. Always cut from the face side down to prevent splintering.
- Mark and cut hinge recessesHold the door in the frame and mark hinge positions — typically 150mm from the top and 200mm from the bottom. Transfer these to the door edge. Use a chisel to cut a recess (housing) exactly the depth of the hinge leaf so it sits flush.
- Fit hinges to doorScrew hinges into the recesses on the door edge. Use all screw holes and ensure screws are flush. If a screw spins freely (in an old worn hole), pack with a wooden matchstick and wood glue, let dry, then re-drill.
- Transfer hinge positions to frameHold the door in the open position, supported by wedges. Mark the hinge positions on the frame. Chisel out matching recesses in the frame.
- Hang and adjustFit the door temporarily with one screw per hinge. Test it — check it opens and closes freely, sits level, and has even gaps around all edges. Plane any binding spots. Once happy, fit all screws.
- Fit the latchMark the latch height (typically 900mm from floor). Use a spade bit to drill the latch hole in the door edge and face. Chisel out the faceplate recess. Fit the latch, then close the door to mark the strike plate position on the frame.
When fitting a new internal door in an old house, expect to spend as much time on the frame as the door. Old frames are never square.
Expert tips for the best result
- A sharp plane is essential — a blunt plane tears wood rather than cutting it
- Fitting a new door in an old out-of-square frame is the hardest version of this job
- Fire doors have specific requirements — they must be fitted with intumescent strips and the correct fire-rated hinges
- Always pre-drill screw holes in hardwood door frames — the screws will snap otherwise
- Two people make the hanging step much easier — one to hold, one to fit
Useful tools and products
When to call a professional handyman
External doors (security and weatherproofing are critical), fire doors in rental properties, or if the door frame itself needs replacing or significant repair.
We connect you with vetted local handymans across the UK — fast response, free quotes, guaranteed work.
💬 Get a free quote via WhatsAppFrequently asked questions
How difficult is how to hang a door for a beginner?
This guide is rated Hard. Hanging a door correctly is one of the most satisfying but technically demanding DIY jobs. It requires patience with fitting — doors need precise adjustment to swing freely without binding and close f If you're not confident, a professional handyman can do this quickly and provide a guarantee on the work.
How long does how to hang a door take?
Allow 2-4 hours. This assumes the tools and materials are ready before you start. First-timers should budget extra time for preparation and any unexpected issues.
How much does a handyman charge for this in the UK?
Most handymans charge £40-80 per hour depending on location and complexity. For a straightforward job like this, expect 1-2 hours of labour plus materials. Get a fixed quote via WhatsApp — message us with your postcode and job details.
How do I find a reliable handyman near me?
WhatsApp us with your postcode and job description. We match you with a vetted local handyman from our network — most jobs get a response within the hour. Contact us here.