Photo: Musa Ortaç

What is a pre hung door?

A prehung door is a door that's sold by the manufacturer “ready-to-go.” These slab doors already come with hinges attached to a three-sided frame and, while they may need some additional features, are generally sold as a complete package.

windowworldsouthernnevada.com - What is a Prehung Door?: Prehung vs. Slab Doors | Window World

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A prehung door is a door that’s sold by the manufacturer “ready-to-go.” These slab doors already come with hinges attached to a three-sided frame and, while they may need some additional features, are generally sold as a complete package. Prehung door sizes are available in a wide range and they come in a variety of materials. You can order a prehung door in wood or wood composite, metal or fiberglass. They’ve typically got several features such as the actual door slab, the three-sided frame, the hinges (attached to the door and frame), pre-cut mortises, a pre-cut door knob and pre-cut holes on the doorframe for the strike plate.

What is a Slab Door?

A slab door is just a basic, rectangular, flat, slab of wood, steel or fiberglass that’s sold without any hardware, hinges or frame. Slab doors may or may not have pre-drilled holes for door knobs, and the hinges will need to be mortised out. But just because you order a slab door doesn’t mean you have to get something that’s boring. Slab doors can have glass or ornate moldings, can be flat or paneled and can be used for interior or exterior entryways.

Prehung Door vs. Slab Door

There are many reasons you may choose one type of door over the other. Ultimately, choosing either a prehung or a slab door comes down to a few things, such as: personal preference, your comfort level with working with tools or hiring someone to help you and, as with most things, cost.

Pros & Cons

Prehung Door Features

Door slab included

Frame included

Hinges included and attached

Hardware included

Pre-cut door knob hole

Very heavy, frame can be flimsy prior to install,hard to move

More expensive than slab doors

Comes ready to go

May be preferred option if building a new structure or room,or if restoration, etc. has damaged or altered existing door areas

Weather tight

Can be difficult to position when installing

Comes finished

Slab Door Features

Door slab included

No frame included

No hinges included

No hardware included

Not always a pre-cut hole for door knob

Easier to move, no frame to deal with

Cheaper than prehung doors, but will need to purchase additional materials

Need to take time to prep the door before installing

May be preferred option if replacing an existing door

Not immediately weather tight

Typically easier to hold and install

Unfinished, will need to be sanded, painted or stained

In the end, deciding slab door vs. prehung really just comes down to your needs, budget and who will install the door. Unless you have the experience and tools to hang either type of door, whether you go with a slab or a prehung door, professional installation might be a smart idea unless you’re pretty handy. A secure fit with proper installation and an overall clean install are all benefits of having a pro install your door.

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Still have questions about which type of door is the right choice? Many people ask the following about what does prehung mean, or is a slab door the better choice, when making their decision about which type of door to go with.

How do you install a prehung door?

If you’re replacing an existing door and are planning to install a prehung door on your own, follow these basic steps:

Do prehung doors come with trim?

Prehung doors will come as a one piece jamb door without trim, or they’ll come in two sections as a two-piece jamb system. If you get a two-piece jamb door, the trim - both inside and out - will be applied to the main frame already.

How much does it cost to install prehung doors?

The cost to install a prehung door can vary, but the national average for labor and materials generally runs around $400 - $1500 for an interior door. Factors that can influence cost include where you live, the type of door you hang (solid or hollow) and whether the door is going into new construction or to replace a damaged existing door. Figuring out if you need a prehung or a slab door isn’t terribly hard. You just need to understand your project scope and have a good idea of which door type would, literally, be the best fit. And once you know all the pros and cons of each, it should be pretty easy to determine which that would be. Still have questions about which type of door is right for your project? Reach out today to talk - we can discuss your needs in detail and recommend whether a prehung or slab door is the better route. Window World has been helping customers craft beautiful homes and structures for more than a quarter of a century, and we’d love to help you! Contact or call us today at 702-897-8209. Window World, Simply the Best for Less®. Want to know more about the prehung door options Window World has to offer? Call us today at 702-897-8209 ans set up a free consultation virtually or in your home.Window World, Simply the Best for Less®.

windowworldsouthernnevada.com - What is a Prehung Door?: Prehung vs. Slab Doors | Window World

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