How do I tell if I need a pre-hung door or just a slab?

If your frame has rot, mold, parasites, is badly weathered, is an old style without weather stripping, is badly out of square, has too many layers of paint to clean up, or has a damaged sill, you probably need a pre-hung door.

If I am ordering a slab, what measurements should I give the shop?

We need the width, height, and thickness; in that order in inches. Also, if you want us to “prep” the door slab for your frame we will need more information for hinge and bore locations, etc.

If I am ordering a pre-hung door what measurements should I give?

The “unit size” is what we are after. This is the overall width of the door including the frame and the overall height of the door from the bottom of the threshold to the very top of the frame. The width of the frame is also needed.

How do I tell the difference between a “right-hand” door and a “left-hand” door?

Please do this slowly: With the door shut, stand in front of it so that it will pull toward you to OPEN it. If the lockset is on the RIGHT side it is a right-hand door. If the lockset is on the LEFT side it is a left-hand door. If this is an exterior door we will need to know if this is an inswing or outswing.

Why would I want a fiberglass exterior door?

Fiberglass does not rot, rust, or dent easily. Metal doors can dent and rust. Wood doors can warp and rot.

What is a vinyl jamb and why do I need it?

PVC or vinyl frames (a.k.a. jambs) are for high weather areas with little or no overhang protecting the door. Home Supplies also offers alternatives to PVC for very heavy glass door.

Is a solid core or hollow core interior door better?

Solid core offers better sound resistance and better fire proofing. They also give more of a solid wood feel.

How do I measure a window?

Aluminum windows in masonry openings are measured from the outside at their widest and tallest points. Sometimes stucco can be covering a half-inch or more of the window.

In wood frame homes, the frame opening (a.k.a. daylight opening) is what is needed. Sometimes trim needs to be removed to expose the accurate opening for this application.

For most vinyl window change outs (changing aluminum to new vinyl windows) the inside drywall to drywall, and drywall to sill measurements are needed.

Do I need insulated glass and/or Low-E glass?

Different glass types offer different benefits. Insulating glass helps slow sound transmission and heat transfer. Low-E helps reflect out heat light from the sun. To have Low-E you must first buy insulated glass. Visible tint helps even more, but reduces your visible view. Sometimes a combination of different glasses is necessary for some houses.