Installing a new door in your mobile home might seem like a big project, but it’s actually quite manageable! With the right tools and a little patience, you can replace your mobile home interior door and give your space a fresh look. Based on your skills, budget, and the state of your existing door frame, you’ll need to decide between a prehung door and a slab door.
Slab or blank doors are just the door itself—no frame included. They can be more affordable, but installing a pre-hung door is usually easier, especially if you’re new to DIY projects.
Whether you’re updating your home’s look or replacing a damaged door, this guide will walk you through every step. By the end, you’ll have a beautiful new door and the pride of knowing you did it yourself. Let’s get started!
How to Measure a Mobile Home Interior Door
First things first: measuring your door. Accurate measurements are crucial to ensure a perfect fit. Here’s how to do it:
- Width: Use a tape measure to measure the door opening width from one side to the other, excluding any trim. The most common widths for mobile home interior doors are 24″, 28″, and 30″.
- Height: Measure the height from the floor to the top jamb’s top. Mobile home interior doors are typically 78 to 80 inches in height.
- Thickness: Most mobile home interior doors are 1 3/8 inches thick, but it’s always good to double-check.
Write down your measurements and double-check them to make sure they are accurate. You’ll need these when purchasing your new mobile home door. Mobile home doors often come in standard sizes, but custom sizes are also available if needed.
How to Remove a Door
Next, you’ll need to remove the old door. This process involves a few simple steps:
- Remove the Hinge Pins: Use a hammer and a screwdriver to tap out the hinge pins gently. Start at the bottom hinge and work your way up.
- Lift the Door Out: After removing the hinge pins, carefully lift the door out of the frame. If the door is heavy, you may need a helper for this step.
- Remove the Hardware: Unscrew and remove any remaining hardware from the door frame, such as the hinges and strike plate.
- Remove any Trim: Take your time loosening the trim with a stiff putty knife without damaging the wall.
With the old door removed, you’re ready to prepare the door frame for the new door. Now is the perfect time to paint, repair, or alter the wall in any way. Any changes to the wall or door frame should be made before installation.
Prepare the Door Frame
Before you install your new mobile home door, you need to prepare the door frame:
- Clean the Frame: Remove any dust, dirt, or debris from the door frame. This will ensure a smooth installation.
- Check for Damage: Inspect the door frame for any signs of damage, such as cracks or warping. Repair any issues before proceeding.
- Fill Holes: If there are any old screw holes, fill them with wood filler and sand them smooth.
Position the Door
Now it’s time to position your new mobile home door:
- Place the Door in the Frame: Carefully slide the new door into the door frame until it is flush with the wall. Make sure it’s centered and level. Keep the door closed and locked during installation to avoid disrupting the pre-squared alignment.
- Check the Fit: There should be an even gap around the door, and close smoothly without sticking. Double-check to be sure the door opens in the desired location and direction.
Install the New Door
With the door properly positioned, you can begin installing it:
- Attach the Hinges: Secure the hinges to the door frame using screws. Start with the top hinge and work your way down.
- Insert the Hinge Pins: Once the hinges are attached, insert the hinge pins to secure the door in place.
- Adjust the Door: If the door doesn’t close properly, you may need to adjust the hinges. Loosen the screws slightly, adjust the door, and then retighten the screws.
Install Door Trim
Installing door trim will give your new mobile home door a finished look:
- Cut the Trim: Measure and cut the door trim to fit around the door frame. Use a miter saw to cut the corners at a 45-degree angle.
- Attach the Trim: Secure the trim to the door frame using finishing nails. Make sure the trim is flush with the wall and the door frame.
- Fill Nail Holes: Fill any nail holes with wood filler and sand them smooth.
Attach Hardware and Accessories
Now it’s time to attach the hardware and accessories to your new mobile home door:
- Install the Doorknob: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the doorknob and latch.
- Attach the Strike Plate: Secure the strike plate to the door frame, making sure it aligns with the latch.
- Add Accessories: If you’re adding any additional accessories, such as a doorstop or decorative hardware, install them now.
Test the Door
Before finishing up, test your new mobile home door to make sure everything is working correctly:
- Open and Close the Door: Make sure the door opens and closes smoothly without sticking.
- Check the Latch: Ensure the latch engages with the strike plate.
- Adjust if Necessary: If the door isn’t functioning correctly, make any necessary adjustments to the hinges or hardware.
Finish and Paint
The final step is to finish and paint your new mobile home door if you want or need to:
- Prime the Door: Apply a coat of primer to the door, making sure to cover all surfaces.
- Paint the Door: Once the primer is dry, apply your chosen paint color. Use a brush or roller for a smooth finish.
- Touch Up the Trim: If needed, touch up the door trim with paint to match the door.
Open the Door to a New Mobile Home Interior Doors
Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed a new mobile home interior door. It’s a job that requires some patience and precision, but with the right steps, it’s completely doable. If you need any tools or supplies, don’t forget to shop at Mobile Home Parts Store. They have a wide range of mobile home doors, hardware, and accessories to choose from.
Installing a new door not only improves the look of your home but also adds to its functionality and value. Enjoy your new door and the fresh look it brings to your space!
Tags: manufacture home, mobile home, mobile home door, Mobile home doors, mobile home interior door, mobile home interior doors