Replacing internal doors sounds simple enough, but there's more to it than unscrewing a few hinges. Get it wrong and you can end up with a door that sticks, doesn't close properly, or damages your flooring. This guide walks you through the whole process, whether you're doing it yourself or bringing in a professional.

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Before you get started, it's worth reading about Chelsey's experience upgrading her internal doors through Checkatrade, it might help shape your own plan.

Chelsey’s internal door upgrade

Portsmouth-based Chelsey, found a local carpenter through Checkatrade to instantly update her 1960s bungalow with modern, cottage-style doors. Read about Chelsey’s experience finding the right tradesperson for the job and the unexpected benefits this home improvement has brought.

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Why replace your internal doors?

Beyond a simple style refresh, new internal doors can genuinely improve how your home works:

• Functionality - upgrade to better lock mechanisms

• Privacy - thicker doors improve soundproofing between rooms

• Energy efficiency - better-fitted doors reduce draughts and heat loss

• Safety - older doors may not meet current fire safety standards

• Space - sliding or folding doors can free up floor space in tight rooms

• Accessibility - wider or easier-opening doors can help with mobility needs

Step 1 - Understand what you're dealing with

Internal doors come in a huge range of shapes and sizes, so the one-size-fits-all rule doesn't apply. Ideally, you want a replacement with the same hinge size and position as your old door, since this makes fitting far simpler.

In practice, an exact match isn't always available, so be prepared for some adjustment.

Step 2 - Choose your door material and style

Materials

• Hardwood - premium, durable, great soundproofing, but the most expensive

• Softwood - more affordable, less durable than hardwood

• MDF - cost-effective, resists warping, easy to paint

• Solid-core - feels like solid wood at a lower cost, with good sound insulation

• Hollow-core - lightweight and budget-friendly, but limited soundproofing

• Metal or uPVC - low-maintenance, durable, increasingly common in contemporary homes

Styles

• Swinging doors - the standard hinged option

• Sliding doors - ideal for tight or awkward spaces

• Folding (bi-fold) doors - space-saving, good for wide openings

• Panel or flush doors - traditional or clean, modern finishes

• Glazed doors - let light through darker hallways or rooms

Not sure which suits your home? Our guide to updating interior doors covers this in more depth.

Step 3 - Fitting a new internal door, step by step

If you're planning to DIY, here's the process from start to finish:

1. Remove

Unscrew the hinges and fully remove the old door. A second pair of hands makes this much easier.

2. Measure

Measure vertically and horizontally in three places on both sides, and use the largest figures. Don't forget to account for carpet or flooring thickness.

3. Fit

Aim for a 2mm gap at the top and sides. A two-penny piece is a handy gauge for checking this.

4. Trim

Trim excess from the bottom and sides if needed, using an electric power planer for a clean finish. Avoid over-trimming, check the manufacturer's guidance on how much can safely be removed.

5. Hinges

Support the door with a wooden wedge, mark the hinge positions, then chisel out the recesses in 5mm intervals to avoid splitting the wood.

6. Hang the door

Secure the middle hinge first, check the fit, then fix the rest. Always double-check the door opens the right way before you commit.

7. Door furniture

Fit handles and any lock mechanism last.

Do you need to replace the architrave too?

If you're removing the door frame as well as the door, it's worth planning for new architrave (the trim around the frame) at the same time.

Architrave is often damaged when removed, nails pull through the face or the timber splits, so budgeting for a replacement set avoids an awkward mismatch later.

Tools you'll need

• New interior door

• Door hinges (usually two or three)

• Screws to match your hinges

• Screwdriver or electric drill

• Wooden wedges

• Hand or electric planer

• Hammer and chisel

• Measuring tape, set square, and spirit level

• Wood filler and sandpaper

• Door furniture (handles, locks)

Need peace of mind? Every Checkatrade job is backed by the £1,000 guarantee.

Up to £1,000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply.

Step 4 - Plan your budget

As a rough guide (source: Checkatrade internal door fitting cost guide):

• Internal door supply: £25-£150+ per door, depending on material

• Labour to fit: £100-£350 per door

• Full replacement (removal and fitting): £120-£400 per door, with an average of around £250

Internal door fitting cost in 2026

Find out how much internal doors cost in the UK, including supply and fitting prices. Checkatrade helps you budget and compare your options.

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What's usually included in a quote

• Hanging and aligning the door

• Trimming to fit an existing frame (within reason)

• Fitting hinges and handles, if supplied

• Minor adjustments to the door frame

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What might cost extra

• Supplying the door, handles, or hinges

• Replacing or altering door frames

• Waste removal for old doors

• Decorating, painting, or finishing

• Fire door certification or specialist compliance work

Do you need a fire door?

Not every internal door needs to be a fire door, but most homes require at least one.

Fire doors are typically needed between an integral garage and the house, and in taller homes (three storeys or more) for rooms opening onto stairwells. Fire doors usually provide around 30 minutes of fire and smoke protection.

Should you hire a professional?

If you're confident with DIY and have the right tools, replacing an internal door is a manageable weekend project. But hanging a door incorrectly isn't just annoying, it can also be a safety issue if it doesn't close properly.

Common DIY mistakes include incorrect measurements, poor hinge alignment, and over-trimming the door. If in doubt, hiring a professional joiner takes the guesswork out of getting a perfect fit first time.

Need reassurance? All tradespeople pass up to 12 checks before joining, and we keep checking after.

Checklist: planning your internal door replacement

Internal door replacement checklist

• Measure your existing door and frame accurately

• Choose your material and style

• Decide if the frame or architrave needs replacing too

• Check whether a fire door is required

• Set your budget for supply and labour

• Get quotes if hiring a professional

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