Prehung vs. slab: which one you need
A slab-only replacement, just the door panel, hinges rehung into the existing jamb, is the cheaper option and works well when the existing frame is square, undamaged, and the right size. It's the more common choice when simply upgrading from a hollow-core builder door to a solid-core door.
A prehung replacement includes the door, frame, and hinges as one unit and is the better call when the existing jamb is out of square, damaged, or when changing the door's swing direction or width. It costs more per door but resets the whole opening.
What affects the per-door price
Hollow-core doors are the least expensive and lightest option, fine for closets and low-traffic rooms. Solid-core doors cost more but block sound and feel sturdier, the more common upgrade choice for bedrooms and home offices. French doors, barn-style doors, and pocket doors all involve more hardware and carpentry than a standard swinging door and cost more accordingly.
- Hollow-core vs. solid-core vs. solid wood
- Slab-only vs. full prehung replacement
- Standard swing vs. French, barn-style, or pocket door hardware
- Matching existing trim profile and paint/stain finish
- Number of doors being replaced at once (per-door cost usually drops on multi-door jobs)
- Hinge and hardware upgrades (hinges, passage sets, privacy locks)
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Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to replace all interior doors at once?+
Usually yes, per door. Bundling doors into one job spreads the trip charge and setup time across more units, and ordering multiple matching doors at once is often cheaper than ordering them one at a time over several months.
Can I paint or stain a new interior door myself?+
Yes, many prehung doors come primed and ready for paint. Solid wood doors intended for stain finish should be finished before or immediately after hanging to protect the wood from humidity swings in the house.
How do I know if I need a slab or a full prehung door?+
If the existing frame is square, undamaged, and the right width and swing, a slab-only replacement is enough. If the jamb is warped, damaged, or you're changing the door's size or swing direction, you'll need a full prehung unit.
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