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Slab vs. Pre-Hung Doors

Which Is Right for You?
The right choice comes down to your opening. If your frame is solid and in good shape, a new door will fit right in. If it’s uneven, drafty, or unfinished, a pre-hung unit will give you a cleaner, more reliable start.
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A Slab Door

A slab is just the door itself — ready to prep for hinges, handle, and swing direction to fit your existing frame. It’s ideal when your jambs and trim are in good shape and you’re simply replacing the door.

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A Pre-Hung Door

A pre-hung door is a complete unit: door, jamb, and threshold built together in our shop for a secure close and smooth swing. It’s the best choice for new builds, renovations, or when the existing frame is warped, drafty, or missing.

At a Glance
Slab Door Pre-Hung Door
Just the door Door, jamb, and threshold built together
Fits into your existing frame Fills a new or rough opening
Best for replacements and restorations Best for new construction or damaged frames
Ready to prep onsite for hinges, handle, and swing Pre-prepped in our workshop for precise alignment

 

Do Slab Doors Come Pre-Mortised?

 

Not by default. Leaving the slab uncut lets you (or your installer) align it precisely with your existing hinge and handle placement. If you share your specs, we can pre-mortise hinge and bore locations for an exact match.

What’s a mortise?


A mortise is the shallow pocket cut into the edge of the door where a hinge or latch sits, so the hardware sits flush and the door closes cleanly.

 

Pre-Hanging Options by Door Type
Screen & Storm Doors

Pre-hanging makes installation straightforward by ensuring the door, hinges, and frame already work together. It helps the door close cleanly and seal properly from the start.

 

  • Brick Molding Setup: The simplest way to add a screen or storm door to an existing entry. Remove your old casing and install our matching brick molding. If your screen or storm door is pre-hung on the brick molding, we’ll mortise it for hinges and hardware.

  • Traditional Jambs: A full replacement setup that includes new jambs and an optional threshold. This is ideal for new porches or openings without an existing frame. Most customers choose to skip the threshold on a pre-hung screen door, since it isn’t usually needed.

  • Paired Systems: Combine your main door, coordinating storm or screen, and optional sidelights or transom for a unified entry.


Built-In Components

Custom hardwood jambs • Mahogany thresholds • Sweeps and seals for seasonal protection

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Exterior Doors

Pre-hanging provides a well-fitted, weather-ready unit with the door, jamb, and threshold aligned in our shop. This gives you a tight seal and smooth operation once installed.

 

  • Traditional Jambs: Complete unit with rabbeted jambs, threshold, and full weatherstripping.

  • With Brick Molding: Includes matching exterior casing for a clean, finished perimeter around the unit.

  • Complete Entry Systems: Combine your main door, sidelights, transoms, and (optionally) matching storm or screen doors.


Built-In Components


Custom hardwood jambs • Adjustable mahogany thresholds • Perimeter sweeps and seals for energy performance

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Interior Doors

Pre-hanging takes the guesswork out of alignment. Hinges and stops are set before the door arrives, helping it swing evenly and fit the room the way it should.

 

  • Traditional Jambs: Door, jambs, hinges, and stops aligned in our shop for a consistent, ready-to-install fit.


Built-In Components

Matching hardwood jambs • Hinges in your choice of finish • Pre-fit alignment for accuracy and balance

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How to Measure

Every Vintage Door is crafted to your exact measurements for a precise, lasting fit. See our How to Measure Guide for a full walkthrough.

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For a Slab Door

Measure the existing door — width, height, and thickness.

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For a Pre-Hung Door

Measure the rough opening — stud-to-stud width and height, plus wall thickness for jamb depth.

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Next Steps

Explore our Wood Species Guide, Glass Options, and Screen Options to see how each detail comes together to make your door, yours. 

 

Need help confirming which setup you need?

 

Whether you’re replacing an old favorite or building something new, we’ll help you choose the option that fits your home — and your vision.

Shop Our Screen and Storm Doors Talk to a Craftsperson

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Phone: (800) 787-2001

Local: (315) 324-5250

Fax: (315) 324-6531

info@vintagedoors.com
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Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm EST

Vintage Doors

66 South Main Street
Hammond, NY 13646

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