When buying exterior or interior doors, the two most common options are pre-hung doors or slab doors. Almost all exterior doors are sold as pre-hung, but different companies and manufacturers may actually have different ways of packing and shipping doors, which will have an impact on installation.
It may be easiest to think of pre-hung doors as pre-assembled doors. These doors are shipped not just as doors, but with the full frame already built and the door or doors hung within the frame. All the hardware for the door, including the hinges, and basically all that is required to slide the frame into the rough opening.
Getting the Best Doors
Just because doors are sold as pre-hung doors doesn’t mean they are of the best possible quality. In fact, most exterior doors will come as pre-hung, which includes those that are very low cost, right off the shelf at your local building supply store. It also includes custom doors and hand-crafted wooden doors that may have been finished and personalized to your specifications.
One of the easiest ways to find out if you are getting quality pre-hung doors is to do your research on the seller. Ideally, look for a company selling their own doors and completing their finishing and hand-crafting in their own facilities. This provides maximum quality control over everything, from the wood to the final coat of finish applied to the door.
How it Arrives
It is very common for interior pre-hung doors to be taken out of the frame for shipping. These doors are lightweight and it is easier to pack and protect the doors and the frame when shipped this way.
Exterior doors, particularly the larger doors or doors with sidelites and transoms, will be shipped fully assembled and as a single unit. This protects the heavier door and the frame, and prevents twisting or warping while in transit.
Top companies selling the best in pre-hung doors will talk to you about how the door will be packed and shipped. They will also typically recommend professional installation of the door to ensure it is completely square and solidly attached. This not only provides you with a door that opens and closes correctly, but it also protects the door from damage during the installation process.
When buying pre-hung doors online, always read reviews and learn about the manufacturer. This can be an excellent way to buy a beautiful door at wholesale prices, but you do have to do your research.
Nick’s Building Supply has been selling quality pre-hung doors online since 1999, and have been in business since 1977. We ship to the United States and Canada. You can view our wide selection doors at website.
