Supplies for Wood Doors

Get the right supplies for wood door installation projects
By Andrea Townsley As a contractor, you must be familiar with all aspects of the building process, including finishing touches like wooden door installation. Wooden doors are durable and can increase the value of a property, so many homeowners and office managers like to use them. If you're going to install these doors, you've got to know what you're doing so you can do it right.

Installing wood doors really isn't hard, but you'll need a few tools to get the job done. Likewise, supplies for wood doors like knobs and hinges are not only functional but also add an aesthetic element to the property. Think about the following when working with a client:

1. Take note of the existing decor. Once you've got a wooden door picked out, you'll have to match the hardware to these furnishings.

2. Make sure you have the right hinges and kick plates for wooden entry doors. Security, aesthetic appeal and durability are especially important here.

3. Buy the proper equipment needed for installing wooden doors. If you plan on installing unfinished door slabs, you'll need a bit more than just the basics.

Explore handle and knob styles for use with wood doors

Handles and knobs are the most noticed wood door accessories. They should match the decor of the home or office as well as stay in keeping with the overall style. For example, you wouldn't want to put a country-style handle in an upscale, modern office. Pay attention so you can keep your clients happy.
Try:  MyKnobs.com has a large selection of knobs and handles for exterior wood doors as well as interior wood doors. Consider using one of the knobs from Direct Door Hardware. If you have a client interested in using handles instead of knobs for exterior or interior doors, check out Work.com's Guide to Door Handles.

Stock up on hinges and other functional accessories for wooden doors

Obviously, hinges are mandatory for door installation; they come in many different sizes and are made of different materials. Bronze hinges are nice for polishing off the look of the door, while stainless-steel hinges can be used indoor or outdoor due to their durability. Installing a kick plate isn't imperative, but it's a good idea to use one on a commercial wood door or any exterior door to decrease the chance of the wood getting scuffed or damaged.
Try:  Find the right size brass hinge set at Hinge Outlet; the company also carries stainless-steel hinges for both residential and commercial use. Check out the selection of kick plates and push plates at KnobsAndThings.com.

Have the right equipment for preparing and installing wood doors

f you're working with unfinished door slabs, you'll have to prepare the door yourself (as opposed to simply hanging a prehung door). Preparation includes mortising hinges and cutting out a hole for the knob. Usually, this process is done using a router with the appropriate drill bits. You'll also need a chisel to remove wood from the section you're mortising and a hole saw blade for cutting the hole for the door handle.
Try:  Choose a router in your price range at Rockler. Buy a drill bit set from HardwareAndTools.com, which has lots of sets to pick from. Woodcraft Supply has an excellent selection of chisels. You can find many different sizes of hole saws at Small Parts.

• Some wood door manufacturers include hardware accessories with the doors themselves, especially if you buy prehung doors. If you can find a package your client approves of, this may be a way to save on costs.