The difference between pre-hung doors and door slabs is obvious if you’re familiar with the terminology. Prehung doors are made as a set which includes a frame and slabs are just the door without the frame.
In this article, we’ll explain when you should choose prehung doors and when slabs are a better option.
A prehung door is one that is already assembled. The door unit includes the slab on hinges connected to a frame with casing around it.
Mortises, the threshold, weatherstripping, and the pre-cut hole for the handleset may not seem as noticeable but they are important because they complete the door and make it easier to install.
A mortise is a type of cut that allows something else to fit into place usually locking together. In this case, we’re talking about mortise cuts for the door hinge.
On the prehung door, a mortise has already been cut and the hinges are installed. With a door slab, a mortise has to be cut so that the hinge is mounted flush with the jamb and the door, this allows the door to close properly.
A mortise can be cut with a router or by hand with a chisel and hammer.
Thresholds are installed on exterior doors. The threshold bridges the gap between the ground and the bottom of the door and helps improve the energy efficiency of a door.
Not only does the threshold keep drafts from entering the home from beneath the door it also guards against pests and water. Generally, you won’t find thresholds on interior doors because weather and pests aren’t a concern inside.
Weatherstripping keeps the door weathertight, again, this is a concern with exterior doors. Prehung doors are typically already weathertight and fitted properly into the door frame. If you try to install a slab you’ll want to make sure you add durable and efficient weatherstripping around the door.
Prehung doors will arrive with a pre-cut hole for the handleset, this isn’t always the case with slabs.
If you ordered a handleset from the same manufacturer that made the door unit, the handleset won’t be pre-installed. In fact, handlesets are sometimes sold separately and some manufacturers design their doors to only accept certain types of handlesets and locks. You’ll want to know this before you purchase a handleset from someone other than the door manufacturer.
The slab. (Haha) But seriously, as I mentioned above, if you want a door slab that’s really all you’re getting. This is a great choice if you’re looking for something super custom and the existing door frames are in good condition, it just takes more work to get the door ready to attach to the frame.
If you decide to go with a new slab you can find them at big box stores or lumberyards.
For prehung doors, you can work with a door dealer or find a door at a big box store and find a contractor. If there is a specific brand that you are looking for you can visit the manufacturer’s website to see what is offered and then find a trusted dealer and installer directly through them. The benefit of this is that you know you’re getting the exact type of product that you want and having it installed by experienced professionals.
To learn more about some door brands check out our related posts below or visit our Doors product offerings.
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