Prehung Door VS Slab Doors

Prehung VS Slab

What is a Prehung Door?

Two choices are given to you when you decide to order an exterior door: slab or prehung. There are significant differences between the two, which is why you should learn what each one is before ordering your new entry door.


What are slab doors?

A slab exterior door is a piece of wood. A slab does not have hardware or hinges. They often do not have a cutout for the hardware or hinges. These doors can be used as interior or exterior doors. Most are paneled or flat. They are more challenging to install.


When should you get Prehung Doors?

Several reasons exist for having a prehung entry door:

  • If you do not have an existing exterior door frame
  • If the current entry door frame is warped or damaged where you cannot replace the door with a slab
  • If you install an exterior door. Prehung doors are weather tight and easier to fit, although hiring a professional is still a good choice for best fit.
  • If you are remodeling or building a new home prehung doors are the most logical choice due to installation and rough opening.

What are Prehung Doors?


A prehung exterior door has a frame and is built to hang by its hinges when you purchase it. You obtain the entire package including the hardware you need to install the door. There are a few main parts to this type of entry door: jambs, hinges, sill, door shoe, and weather stripping. Prehung units may ship disassembled for the ease of transportation. The following are standard for prehung doors:

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Jambs (size range: 4-9/16”, 6-5/8”, 5-1/4” and custom options)

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Hinges usually 4”x4” ball bearing in zinc, bronze, or brass. (exterior 80” doors have 3 hinges, while 96” have 4 hinges).

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Adjustable threshold made of aluminum. Door sill can also be oak, bronze, brass, or zinc.

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Door sweep (door shoe) of bronze, zinc, or brass. Shoe weather proofing also available.

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Interior casing is 2 ½” colonial style unless specified differently.

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Q-Ion in white or bronze weather stripping

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2 ¼” brick mold for exterior, unless specified differently

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Handle is pre drilled for deadbolt and handle

 

PRE-HUNG DOORS MAY BE SHIPPED “KNOCKED DOWN”.  All doors, including “pre-hung” doors, may be shipped knocked down and will require assembly prior to installation.