Can You Install a Door Yourself? Step-by-Step Guide vs Hiring a Professional (UK 2026)

Everything You Need to Know Before Fitting an Internal Door

Installing a new internal door might seem like a simple DIY job — but in reality, it’s one of those tasks that looks easy until you try it.

So the question is:

👉 Can you install a door yourself, or should you hire a professional?

At AA Facilities Group, we install doors every week for landlords and homeowners, and in this guide we break down step-by-step how to do it, the costs involved, and when it’s worth paying a professional.

🚪 What’s Involved in Installing an Internal Door?

Installing a door includes:

• Measuring and trimming the door

• Marking and chiselling hinge recesses

• Hanging the door correctly

• Fitting handles and latches

• Ensuring proper alignment

👉 It’s more technical than most people expect.

🔧 Tools You’ll Need

Essential Tools

• Tape measure

• Pencil and level

• Hand saw or circular saw

• Chisel and hammer

• Drill and screwdriver

• Plane (for adjustments)

👉 Without the right tools, the job becomes very difficult.

🪚 Step-by-Step: How to Install a Door

Step 1: Measure the Door Frame

• Measure height, width, and thickness

• Leave a 2–3mm gap around the door

Step 2: Trim the Door to Size

• Mark cutting lines

• Use a saw to trim evenly

• Sand edges smooth

Step 3: Mark and Cut Hinge Positions

• Usually 2 or 3 hinges

• Mark positions from existing frame

• Chisel out recesses carefully

Step 4: Fit Hinges to the Door

• Screw hinges into place

• Ensure they sit flush

Step 5: Hang the Door

• Align door in frame

• Screw hinges into frame

• Check opening and closing

Step 6: Fit Handle & Latch

• Drill holes for handle and latch

• Install latch mechanism

• Fit handles both sides

Step 7: Final Adjustments

• Plane edges if sticking

• Check gaps are even

• Ensure smooth closing

💰 DIY Cost Breakdown

• Door: £30 – £150

• Tools (if needed): £50 – £200

• Hardware (handles, hinges): £20 – £60

👉 Total DIY cost:£50 – £250+ per door

👷 Professional Installation Cost

• Labour: £70 – £150 per door

• Supply + fit: £120 – £400 per door

👉 Multiple doors = cheaper per unit

⚖️ DIY vs Professional: What’s Better?

Factor	DIY	Professional
Cost	Lower	Higher
Time	2–4 hours per door	30–60 mins per door
Skill	Medium–High	Expert
Finish	Varies	Perfect fit
Risk	High	Low

🚫 Common DIY Mistakes

Avoid these:

• Cutting too much off the door

• Misaligned hinges

• Uneven gaps

• Door sticking or not closing

• Poor handle positioning

👉 One mistake can ruin the door completely.

🔥 When DIY is Worth It

DIY is a good option if:

• You’re replacing like-for-like doors

• Frames are already square

• You have the right tools

• You’ve done similar work before

🚫 When to Hire a Professional

You should hire a professional if:

• Frames need adjusting

• Doors need heavy trimming

• You want a perfect finish

• You’re fitting multiple doors

• You’re installing fire doors (important ⚠️)

🏠 Landlord Tip

If you’re upgrading a rental:

• Replace all doors at once for consistency

• Choose durable, simple designs

• Use professionals for speed and finish

👉 Faster turnaround = less void time.

Why Choose AA Facilities Group?

At AA Facilities Group, we provide:

• Internal door supply and fitting

• Fire door installation

• Lock and handle fitting

• Full property refurbishments

✅ Fast and precise installation✅ Competitive pricing✅ Landlord & residential specialists✅ High-quality finish every time

📞 Get a Free Quote Today

Need doors installed professionally?

👉 Contact AA Facilities Group today for a free, no-obligation quote.

We’ll ensure your doors are perfectly fitted, secure, and built to last.