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Project guide

Fitting an internal door: what do I need to buy?

Hanging a door is more than the door. This list covers the door, hinges, handle and latch, the lining, the gap filler and the architrave, and how many of each you need for more than one door.

Updated Based on manufacturer guidance, sources below

The short answer

Each door needs 1 door, 3 hinges, 1 handle set and 1 latch. A new lining adds a lining set with stops and about 8 long screws. Architrave on both sides is 4 legs and 2 heads per door, so a single door takes 3 lengths of 4.4m architrave.

The formula

  • Hinges = 3 per door (top, middle and bottom: the usual count)
  • Lining screws = 8 per door
  • Architrave legs = 4 per door, 2 per 4.4m length; heads = 2 per door, 4 per length
  • Lengths of architrave = 2 x doors + (doors / 2), rounded up

Worked example

Five 838mm hollow core doors, new linings and architrave both sides:

  • 5 doors, 5 packs of 3 hinges, 5 handle sets, 5 latches
  • 5 lining sets, 40 screws (1 pack of 200)
  • Architrave: 20 legs (10 lengths) and 10 heads (3 lengths) = 13 lengths
  • Expanding foam: 5 / 4 = 2 cans

Work it out for your job

Change the measurements and the quantities update straight away.

Doors
1
Hinges
3 (3 per door)
Architrave
4 legs and 2 heads
New lining
Yes

Your list

  • 1Doors, 762mm wide
  • 1Hinges, packs of 3 (3 per door)
  • 1Lever handle sets
  • 1Tubular latches
  • 1Door lining sets with stops, 115mm
  • 15 x 80mm screws for the lining, packs of 200
  • 1Fire-rated expanding foam, 750ml (one can per four linings)
  • 3Architrave, 4.4m lengths (4 legs and 2 heads per door)
  • 1Oval nails 40mm, 500g packs
  • 2Decorator's caulk, 380ml
Price this door list

Opens SmartBuild with your measurements filled in. Every item is priced from supplier product feeds where we have them, ranked by price.

Materials checklist

  • DoorCheck the size against the old door and the opening before you buy.
  • HingesThree per door. Ball-bearing hinges, 100mm (4 inch), are the usual size.
  • Handle set and latchA lever handle set and a tubular latch. Check the latch size suits the door thickness.
  • Door lining with stopsA 115mm lining suits a 100mm stud wall with 12.5mm board each side.
  • ArchitraveMitred round the opening, both sides, in 4.4m lengths.
  • Expanding foam and caulkFoam fills the gap behind the lining; caulk seals the architrave.

You'll also need

  • Primer and paint for the door, lining and architrave
  • Wooden packers and wedges to set the lining square
  • Chisel, router or hinge-recess tool, and a plane for trimming the door
  • Spirit level, square, drill/driver and a fine saw for the mitres

Step by step

  1. Measure the openingMeasure the old door and lining, or the opening, so the new door and lining fit.
  2. Fit the liningPack it square, level and plumb in the opening, then fix it through the packers and fill the gap with foam.
  3. Hang the doorFit three hinges. On a replacement door, reuse the old hinge positions where you can (Wickes).
  4. Fit the handle and latchCut the latch recess, fit the latch and handle set, and check the door closes cleanly.
  5. Fit the architraveMark a 6mm reveal, mitre the head first, then the legs, and fix with 40mm nails (Wickes).

Tips from the manufacturers

  • A fire door only works if it is hung and finished as its maker says: fire-rated hinges, intumescent strips and a tested latch. Follow the instructions that came with it.
  • Leave a 6mm reveal between the lining and the architrave so the joint looks even.
  • Use the old hinge positions where you can: it saves marking and recesses.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Buying the door before measuring the opening.
  • Using two hinges on a solid or heavy door, which makes it sag.
  • Over-filling the gap behind the lining with foam, which can bow the lining.

Frequently asked questions

How many hinges does an internal door need?

Three is standard for an internal door: one near the top, one near the bottom and one in the middle.

How much architrave for one door?

Both sides, mitred: 4 legs of about 2.1m and 2 heads of about 1m, which is 3 lengths of 4.4m.

Do I need a new lining?

Only if the old frame is damaged or the wrong size. A new lining adds the lining set, long screws and expanding foam.

Sources

Quantities are estimates for typical jobs, using the coverage figures above. Products vary, so check the data sheet for the product you buy, and talk to a professional for structural, electrical or gas work. SmartBuild is independent and not affiliated with any of the manufacturers listed.

How much skirting board do I need?Skirting runs round every wall except the doorways. Measure the walls, take off the doors, add an allowance for the cuts and divide by the length you are buying. Stud wall materials list: what do I need?A timber stud partition is CLS studs at 400mm centres between a head and sole plate, boarded both sides. Here is the full stud wall materials list, including how much timber, and how much of each. How much paint do I need for a room?To work out how much paint you need for a room, measure the walls, take off doors and windows, multiply by the number of coats and divide by 12. Here is the rule, a worked example and a calculator that does it for you.

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