Choosing between prehung door vs slab door can make or break your renovation project. I’ve helped countless homeowners make this decision, and I know how confusing it gets.
The right choice saves you time, money, and frustration.
A prehung door comes with everything attached, while a slab door is just the door panel. Your existing frame condition matters most here.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what each option offers, installation differences, and costs. You’ll know exactly which door fits your project by the end.
Let’s figure out what works best for your home.
Why Choosing the Right Door Matters
Your door choice affects more than you think. It changes how your home works, looks, and saves energy.
Picking the wrong door type creates problems fast. You’ll face tough installation challenges that eat up your time. Extra costs pile up when things don’t fit right. The design might clash with your home’s style.
Get it right from the start and you’ll enjoy years of trouble-free use. Your door will open smoothly every time. It’ll look exactly how you pictured it. The investment pays off in comfort and peace of mind.
What Is a Prehung Door?
A prehung door is a door panel already mounted onto a new frame with hinges attached. The manufacturer does the hard work for you.
If you order it with hardware prep, it comes pre-drilled and ready to go.
The door is hung, adjusted, and tested at the factory before shipping. You’re basically getting a plug-and-play solution for your doorway.
Key Features
The package includes the door slab, complete frame, and hinges. Pre-drilled holes for the knob, latch, and strike plate save you hours of work.
The hinge mortises are already cut to exact specifications.
Everything fits together right out of the box. The frame comes with stops already attached so the door closes against them properly.
Pros and Cons of Prehung Doors
What Is a Slab Door?
A slab door is simply the door panel by itself. No frame, no hinges, and usually no drilled holes.
This option works best when you have an existing frame that’s still in good shape and properly aligned.
The door comes as a blank canvas ready for customization. You can choose your own hardware, stain, or paint to match your exact vision. This gives you complete control over the final look.
Key Features
You’re buying just the door panel. Some come with a pre-drilled hole for the doorknob, but that’s optional.
The frame, hinges, and strike plate are not included. You supply everything else yourself.
Pros and Cons of Slab Doors
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Lighter and much easier to transport than prehung units |
Requires precision carpentry skills and patience |
|
Total control over design, finish, and hardware choices |
Takes much longer to install than a prehung door |
|
Lower cost since you’re not paying for a new frame |
One wrong measurement or bad cut can ruin the fit |
|
Perfect for keeping original trim or preserving historic woodwork |
You need carpentry experience to get it right |
|
Easy to store until you’re ready to install |
Requires multiple tools including chisels and planes |
|
Can be customized to match any existing door style |
Mistakes can be costly and require buying a new door |
Installation Considerations
Understanding what each installation involves helps you choose wisely.
Prehung Doors
You’ll need to remove the old frame completely and fit the new one into your wall studs. Level floors and square rough openings are critical for success. The frame must sit plumb in all directions.
You’ll shim between the frame and studs to get it perfectly level. When you’re replacing multiple doors, prehung options speed up the entire project. Finishing touches include installing new trim and sealing gaps around the frame.
Slab Doors
The work involves chiseling out hinge pockets to exact depth and aligning the strike plate perfectly.
Each hinge mortise must match exactly or the door won’t hang right. You’ll mark where the hinges go on both the door and the frame.
You may need to trim the door to fit your opening. This requires a steady hand and careful measurements at every step. Sand the edges after cutting to prevent moisture damage.
Time & Cost
A prehung door typically takes about 2.5 hours to install. Material costs run higher, but you’ll spend less on labor. A slab door installation can take 2 to 4 hours or more.
Material costs are lower, but labor costs increase due to the extra work involved. Factor in the cost of tools you might need to buy for a slab installation.
Prehung Door vs Slab Door: Side-by-Side Comparison
Seeing both options side by side makes your decision easier.
|
Feature |
Prehung Door |
Slab Door |
|
What’s Included |
Door, frame, hinges, pre-drilled holes |
Door panel only |
|
Installation Time |
2-3 hours |
3-5 hours |
|
Skill Level |
Beginner to intermediate |
Intermediate to advanced |
|
Material Cost |
Higher ($200-$600+) |
Lower ($50-$300+) |
|
Best For |
Damaged frames, new construction |
Existing good frames |
|
Weight |
Heavy and bulky |
Light and portable |
|
Design Flexibility |
Limited |
Complete control |
A quick comparison of prehung and slab doors covering cost, installation time, skill requirements, and features to guide your choice.
Tips for Choosing the Right Door
Here are the key factors to consider before buying your next door.
- Check your existing frame condition. A damaged or warped frame means you need a prehung door.
- Know the difference between interior and exterior projects. Exterior doors need weatherproofing and stronger frames.
- Be honest about your skill level. Slab doors require carpentry experience and precision cutting.
- Make sure you have the right tools. You’ll need a level, drill, saw, and chisels for proper installation.
- Think about weight and transport. Prehung doors are heavy and bulky, so plan for help moving them.
- Measure your hallways and doorways. A prehung door unit needs to fit through your home to reach the installation spot.
- Decide what matters most to you. Choose design flexibility with a slab or easy installation with a prehung option.
Conclusion
I recently replaced three doors in my home and chose prehung for speed. The prehung door vs slab door choice comes down to your frame condition and skill level.
Prehung doors give you structure and simplicity. Slab doors offer style and cost savings. Match your choice to your project needs. Plan carefully, measure twice, and you’ll get great results.
Ready to start your door project? Drop a comment below and share which option you’re considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a prehung door myself?
Yes, you can install a prehung door as a DIY project if you have basic tools and some experience. The process is easier than installing a slab door, but you’ll likely need help lifting and positioning the frame.
How much does a slab door cost compared to a prehung door?
A slab door typically costs 30 to 50 percent less than a prehung door. However, you’ll spend more on labor if you hire a professional, which can offset the material savings.
When should I choose a prehung door over a slab door?
Choose a prehung door when your existing frame is damaged, warped, or uneven. Prehung doors also work better for exterior applications where weatherproofing matters most.
Do slab doors come with pre-drilled holes?
Some slab doors come with pre-drilled holes for doorknobs, but many don’t. Check the product specifications before buying to know what prep work you’ll need to do yourself.
How long does it take to install each type of door?
A prehung door takes about 2.5 hours to install with proper tools and experience. A slab door can take 2 to 4 hours or longer, depending on your skill level and the adjustments needed.
