If the door is heavy, have a partner help you lift the door.
If the measurements are not the same in each of the 3 places, use 40-60-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface.
For example, if you measured 1 1⁄4 in (3. 2 cm) on the top of your door, cut off 1 3⁄4 in (4. 4 cm) from the bottom of the door. Wear safety glasses while working with your circular saw. If the difference in height is less than 1⁄8 inch (0. 32 cm), use a 40-60-grit sandpaper or a planer. Use a finish saw blade with teeth packed close together to get a smooth cut without splintering.
If the door fits well, you can skip to attaching the hinges. Check the width measurement from the door jamb to ensure that it’s accurate.
For example, if your door is 1⁄2 in (1. 3 cm) too wide, then remove 1⁄4 in (0. 64 cm) from each side.
If you don’t have wedges, you can use 1⁄8 in (0. 32 cm) shims instead.
Make sure the side of the door with the knob is on the opposite side as the hinges.
Draw your pencil marks lightly so you can easily erase them.
Stay inside of your pencil lines so you don’t accidentally over cut.
Make sure to only chisel to the depth of your hinge, or else you’ll remove too much wood. Sharpen your chisel so you don’t accidentally crack the wood.
Make sure the flat side of the chisel faces the door so it doesn’t splinter or break.
If the door is heavy, have a partner help you hold it in place. Make sure the door opens in the right direction before securing it to the wall.
If your door is heavy and starts to sag when you let go of it, put all 3 screws in your top and bottom hinges.
Use a 40- or 60-grit sandpaper if you have less than 1⁄8 in (0. 32 cm) to remove.
