Internal Door Fitting in Southampton and Hampshire

Door hanging and the existing frame

Door hanging and ironmongery already form part of the finish-carpentry service. This page deals with that work specifically, from checking the opening to fitting the hinges and latch. It is separate from making fitted furniture or changing the layout of the room.

Choosing the door before fitting

Door sizes and construction vary. Some have a limited amount that can be trimmed from each edge, and exceeding that allowance can damage the door or affect its warranty. Check the manufacturer’s details before buying a door for an awkward opening. A door that is too small cannot be made suitable simply by changing its hinges.

Decide whether the door will be painted or left with a visible timber finish. Cut edges need the preparation and sealing specified for that product. Glazed doors also need handling and fitting in line with their instructions. If an existing door has a safety function, choose a suitable replacement rather than matching appearance alone.

Hinges, handles and latches

The hinge size, number and positions depend on the door and its weight. New hinge recesses need to align with the frame, and old recesses may need making good. The latch must meet the keep cleanly so the door closes without lifting or pushing sideways. These are small details that determine how the door feels in use.

Handle positions can be kept consistent across a group of doors. Agree the hardware before fitting so holes and recesses are made for the right parts. Bathroom locks and other fittings may need different preparation from a basic latch. Check that the handle does not strike a wall or adjacent cupboard when the door is opened.

Flooring, clearance and fire doors

A planned carpet or new floor finish should be considered before the door is trimmed. Too little clearance makes the door catch; removing too much leaves a gap that may not suit the room or the door’s requirements. Tell the fitter about flooring work that has not yet taken place, including underlay or changes between rooms.

Fire doors are not ordinary doors with a different label. The complete arrangement can require specific hinges, seals, gaps and closing devices. Follow the door’s certification and the relevant building requirements. Internal door fitting should not reduce an existing fire-safety provision. Where the requirement is unclear, establish it before buying or altering the door.

Internal door fitting cost

The cost of a carpenter to hang a door depends on the opening, the door type and the hardware. Reusing a sound frame is different from repairing it or fitting a new lining. Heavy doors, glazed panels and specialist requirements can involve extra handling and preparation. A price for hanging alone may exclude the door and ironmongery.

If asking how much you should pay to have an internal door fitted, describe whether it is a replacement or a new opening. Include photographs of the frame and the chosen door details if available. Agree who supplies the hinges, handles and latch, whether decoration is included, and what happens to the old door.

Planning the next step

Use the enquiry form on this page to describe the space and the work you are considering. Include the main dimensions, the finish you prefer and anything that needs to stay accessible. A photograph showing the whole wall is more useful than a close-up alone. You can also call VIP Walls to talk through the room before choosing materials.

See also: Related joinery and fitting.