When renovating a home, one of the first questions renovators ask is how difficult will certain installations be. When going between installing a slab or a pre-hung wood door, many features play a role in how the installation process will be. Whether it’s a slab door that doesn’t have any hinges or frame or a pre-hung wood door that contains a pre attached frame and hinges, renovators can expect many benefits. Depending on the look and feel homeowners are going for as well as desired workflow, a certain type of wood door will ensure the renovation process goes as expected.
At Nick’s Building Supply, we understand the impact installation, cost, and style play a role in making decisions during renovations. Keep on reading to understand whether a slab wood door or a pre-hung wood door is better for your project needs.
Understanding the Two Main Door Types
Fortunately, wood doors come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with each type offering a range of benefits. These doors can be categorized into two different types when referring to installation processes: slab and pre-hung.
At Nick’s, we ensure decisions in picking the right fit are easy and backed by facts. Read on to see what type of wood door, slab or pre-hung, is right for you!
Slab Wood Doors and What They Offer:
What it is: Simply coming as just the door panel itself, slab wood doors are exactly what they sound like; a simple wood panel without any framing, hinges or hardware included. Acting as a blank canvas, they offer the perfect opportunity for paint, cut, or finish to match any custom design.
Installation: The installation process for slab doors tends to be a bit more of a detailed one, but that also means it is great for full customization. By being installed into an already existing frame, ideally one that’s in good condition, the installation process is naturally more intricate and requires precise handle placement. This precision makes it necessary for professional placement. While this installation may sound tedious, don’t be frightened; slab wood doors are perfect for anyone replacing doors without wanting to tear out the frame or trim.
Benefits: Slab wood doors offer a range of benefits to homeowners from cost to customizations. These doors often come with affordable prices that are great for those renovating on a budget. Because these doors come as a blank canvas, they tend to be easy to tailor to any home’s style. If your home has already existing doors you want to match, a slab wood door is the perfect option to tailor the installation.
Best for: For those looking to upgrade their home, slab wood doors are the perfect opportunity to fully customize their door. Perfect for projects focusing on customization on a budget, slab doors offer a chance to update existing door frames without any major remodeling.
How Pre-Hung Doors Can Benefit Your Project
What it is: While slab doors offer a chance to customize, pre-hung doors come as a full package deal; the door comes with hinges, a frame, and a threshold all attached and ready for installation. Giving customers a quick and simple installation process, pre-hung doors remain a staple for renovators looking for an efficient option.
Installation: Whether you’re looking to install a wood door as a brand new construction project or as a full-frame replacement, a pre-hung door offers great opportunity in terms of the installation process. First, the unit is fitted into a rough opening. Having the pre attached items ensures there is correct alignment right out of the box, reducing the risk of any gaps or sticking. This process remains both a cost and time efficient method and installation process.
Benefits: By giving renovators a straightforward and easy installation process, they can expect a precise and professional-looking finish. Although the installation process is a clear advantage with pre-hung doors, many other benefits also come with the streamlined wood door. By sealing gaps, renovators can ensure excellent energy efficiency and they can forget about maintenance issues in the future. Fortunately, pre-hung wood doors are known for their longevity and low maintenance routine.
Best for: Whether you are installing a wood door from scratch or are simply replacing an existing door, pre hung wood doors are the best option for both new builds and renovations. Beyond just installation, if you notice an exterior door needing a protective, weather-tight seal, pre-hung doors are the solution for you. For their weather-resistant properties, convenient installations, and long-term durability, pre-hung wood doors remain an asset for any renovator looking for an efficient and secure solution.
Find Your Perfect Fit at Nick’s Building Supply
Whether you are a renovator looking for a customizable slab door or an efficient pre-hung door, Nick’s Building Supply has got your back. With our customizable options, you can be sure to find the wood door that’s right for your needs. If you are looking for guidance in installing wood doors during a home renovation, don’t hesitate to call Nick’s at (219) 663-2279 to find your perfect match.