Hello all! I have an interior door that needs replacing - I know I'm going to replace the door but I'm unsure on whether I should get a prehung and replace the frame or just use the existing frame?

Right now it's a stained oak frame which is in ok shape. I'm not exactly sure what the finish is on it, but it's a darker color and somewhat shiny. The new trim and door will be white so I'd either need to sand it down and prime, then paint it or just rip it out and get a pre-hung door with a new frame. Are there pro's and con's to this either way?

The door is a 'solid core' and will have to be trimmed down no matter what. I'd have to trim down the new frame too if I go that route. I've never replaced a door before so either way this is all new to me...thanks!

 

Just a slab:

Pros: Wont have to install frame and redo trim.
Cons: Will have to machine rabbets for the hinges and possibly holes for doorknob.

Prehung:

Pros: Won't have to machine for hinges or lockset
Cons: will have to shim and square frame and redo (or at least put back on) the trim.

I have the jigs and tools to machine for hinges, so if frame and trim are in good shape I just replace the slab. But if the frame isn't plumb or square or it or the trim is beat up, I go prehung.

Machining for hinges is easy if you have the templates and a router. It can be done with only a wood chisel but is tricky if you haven't done it before.

 

Why use a solid core door for the interior? how much do you need to cut off of it?

 

I would replace the whole thing with a pre-hung. In the long haul it will be less work. And I also ask the question of the need for a solid interior door?

 

I have to cut it off about 7 inches so I thought doing so with a solid core would be better. It's also to a laundry room so hoping for some sound-dampening qualities. I'm open to feedback though, appreciate the answers!

 

I'd go with a hollow core slab. That way you can place the knob and hinges where they need to go. When you cut that much off of a hollow door you are left with a void at the bottom. To close off the void you can either remove the wood from the cut off piece or cut a 2x to size on a table saw to insert and tack/glue in place. I've found ripping a new piece to be easier/quicker.