When deciding on how to proceed, take your time and do your research. By choosing the right entry door, you will save energy, ensure your home is secure, and have a door that will last a lifetime.
One of the first basic decisions you need to make is what type of door you want. There are two types of doors: slab doors and prehung doors. This article will explore both options so you can choose the one that works for you.
Choosing Between Slab Doors and Prehung Doors for Your Entry Door
First, we have to understand the characteristics of slab doors and pre hung doors.
What are Slab Doors?
Slab doors are just the door itself –– there is no jamb or frame attached it. It is important to fit all the hardwares while installing them. Typically, you must place the hardware on the door. This allows you to make cuttings for the door handle.
What are Prehung Doors?
Prehung doors have the frame and hardware already attached. The doors come with the frame previously attached to a slab and its hinges. Do not open and close the door if propped up as the door is attached to the wall. As a result, the stress on the frame may cause bending.
Reasons to Choose Slab Door for your Entry Doors
There are many benefits to choosing slab doors for you entry doors. They suit multiple budgets, are suitable for customization, and are adaptable if you already have frames or hardwares with you. There are also DIY options. Here are some other popular reasons for choosing slab doors:
- There are varieties to choose from. There are unique styles such as antique doors, and any aesthetic that will make you feel at home.
- Slab doors are highly customizable. You can install knobs, hinges, and latches to your liking.
Reasons to NOT Choose Slabs for Your Entry Doors
Some downsides to slab doors is that you do need technical knowledge, practice and the adequate skills. The easiest way to install a slab door is if you are doing a one-for-one installation (where the new door is the same size and setup as the old door). If there are any differences between the old door and the new, it will make your project more difficult. Here are some tips to make the process simpler for you:
- When you are installing an exterior door, install a pre-hung unit or hire a professional for installation.
- If you don’t have faith in your skills just yet, you may wish to opt for a new slab instead of a recycled slab. The reason for this is that a new slab door will be much flatter than a used door and require less work such as planing, sanding, and straightening.
Why Prehung Doors Will Be the Best Option When it Comes to Entry Doors
Prehung doors are another option that you may prefer. Here are some of their advantages:
- They come as an entire unit so you won’t have to find hardwares.
- Much simpler to install than slab doors
- Less time consuming
- More desirable for a DIYer
- They function well in weather conditions
- If there is a new remodel, a pre-hung door may be easier if the door frame is open and exposed
- They work well in exterior settings because of their tight fitting abilities. Be sure to find out what the climate ratings all for exterior doors.
Why Prehung Doors Will NOT Be The Best Choice
Even though prehung doors are highly beneficial and can be a great choice for you, there are some negative aspects to consider. For one, prehung doors can be quite costly. They also don’t offer much room in terms of customization.
One of the biggest downsides is that these doors are extremely heavy (weighing between 50 and 100 pounds) which can cause difficulty –– you’ll want to find help from an experienced craftsperson.
Even if you do find a pre-hung door with a hollow core slab as a lighter option, it will still be bulky to shift around. Another factor to consider is that if you do not have a vehicle large enough, it will make transporting a pre-hung door too difficult.
Even though pre-hung door installation seems relatively simple, positioning it correctly can add issues to your project. You won’t need to be concerned about hanging the slab to the frame, but you will need the daunting task of fitting the pre-hung unit as a whole into the opening.
Like all doors, you will be required to use shimming. If you think the task is easy, it is important to know that even a pre-hung door can be installed incorrectly where the swing and closing are affected. You will also have to finish each component: drywall, painting, and trim installation and painting.
Leave it to the Experts
There is no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to choosing an entry door for your home. It is better to make a decision based on your budget, convenience, availability of the supplier in your area, climate, and style of your house. Remember, an entry door is not just a door, it tells you who lives inside. If you are in doubt, consult a professional who does entry door installation in your area.
