PRE- HUNG DOORS VS. SLAB DOORS: ULTIMATE COMPARISON GUIDE

WHAT IS A PRE-HUNG DOOR?

A pre-hung door is a unit your window company sells as a “ready-to-install” product, but you can customize the product as you like during the order stage.

WHAT IS A PRE-HUNG DOOR?

These models already have hinges attached to the frame, and while pre-hung doors may need some extra features, they are usually sold as a complete package.

PROS

– Pre-attached hinges and hardware: No need for additional hardware cutouts; – Made to fit the frame: The frame fits the door perfectly

PROS

– Ideal for exterior doors: These doors are weather-tight, which makes them ideal for your front entrances

PROS

– Quick installation: since pre-hung doors come as an all-inclusive package, they take significantly less time to install

CONS

- Hard to manage: Pre-hung doors are heavy and difficult to move easily. Most pre-hung doors weigh more than 100 pounds and require at least two persons to move them.

CONS

Requires extra work: Despite being easy to install, you may still need to finish the drywall, paint, and do some trim work around the frame, so it's definitely not a DIY project.

CONS

Delivery time: Since a pre-hung door is a custom unit, you would need to wait at least 4-8 weeks for it to be manufactured;

WHAT IS A SLAB DOOR?

A slab door is nothing more than just a door itself. There is no frame, hardware, or hinges on it. 

WHAT IS A SLAB DOOR?

When installing a slab door, you can either use an existing door frame or create a frame from scratch.

PROS

Affordable: A slab door is less expensive than a pre-hung door as it doesn’t come with an additional frame or hardware.

PROS

Versatile: Slab doors can be used for both interior doors and exterior entry doors.

CONS

Does not include cutouts and hardware: Even the most experienced DIYer could find it difficult to create the ideal fit for this sort of door because it lacks hardware and cutouts.

CONS

Can be difficult to install: Installation of this door is not as easy as a pre-hung door since it requires the entire frame to be replaced.