When renovating or building a home, one of the most common decisions homeowners face is whether to choose prehung interior doors or machine the doors on site. While prehung options may seem convenient, they aren’t always the best fit, especially if you’re looking for precision, customization, or long-term value.
At Royal Door & Trim Supplies, we’ve helped countless homeowners, builders, and designers select the right door solutions for their space. Here’s why prehung doors might not be the one-size-fits-all solution they appear to be, and what to consider instead for a better, more customized result.
What Is a Prehung Door?
A prehung door is a fully assembled door unit that comes attached to its own door frame (or jamb). It typically includes the hinges, jambs, and door stop. Prehung doors are designed to be dropped directly into a rough opening, making installation quick and simple, especially for new construction.
In contrast, a non-machined door is just the door itself. It doesn’t come with the frame or hardware pre-installed, giving you more flexibility to work with existing frames or alter the fit.
The Appeal of Prehung Doors: Why People Choose Them
There’s a reason prehung doors are popular, particularly in large-scale subdivision home builds. They offer:
- Fast installation: Since the frame and hinges are already attached, installation can be quicker than fitting a slab door into an existing jamb.
- All-in-one convenience: They come as a complete system, which simplifies the purchasing and installation process for large-scale projects.
However, these conveniences come with trade-offs, especially when it comes to customization, finish options, and cost-efficiency.
Why Prehung Doors Aren’t Always the Best Option
While prehung doors sound great in theory, they’re not ideal for every home or project. Here’s why:
1. Limited Customization on Frame Depth
Prehung doors come as standardized sets with standard jamb depth and standard hinges. If you are renovating your home you may require deeper or narrower jambs based on the home. Many pre-hung doors only come in standard jamb depths that might not fit every wall.
Hinges that are typically used are rounded; many pre-hung options do not allow the option to change them for the more popular square option.
2. They Cannot be Retrofitted
If you’re replacing an existing door but keeping the original frame, a prehung system cannot be installed. Installing a pre-hung door means removing the entire door jambs, casing, and doorstop, which risks damaging nearby walls, flooring, or paint finishes.
In older homes, especially those with Craftsman-style woodwork or custom door openings, it’s often better to use a high-quality unmachined door that can be machined on site to fit seamlessly into the existing jamb.
3. Transportation and Installation Challenges
Prehung doors are heavier, bulkier, and more difficult to maneuver, particularly in finished spaces. They can easily be damaged during transport or installation if not handled carefully. By contrast, individual doors are much easier to move and install in tight spaces, making them a better fit for interior remodels or smaller jobs.
When Prehung Doors Do Make Sense
Despite their limitations, prehung doors do have their place. They’re ideal when:
- You’re working on large subdivision projects where quality is not the main priority.
- The rough openings are all standard sizes and depths.
- You want a simple, turnkey solution for a builder-grade installation.
The Smarter Alternative:
For most homeowners upgrading their interiors, unmachined doors are the more practical and design-forward option. Here’s why:
1. Perfect for Matching Existing Trim
If your home already has distinctive door casing, window trim, or baseboards, an unmachined door lets you maintain consistency. You can match paint colors, wood tones, and moulding details precisely.
2. Endless Style Options
At Royal Door & Trim Supplies, we offer a wide variety of interior door styles, shaker profiles to raised panels. Each one can be customized with your preferred hardware, finish, and casing profile to complement your interior design package.
3. Higher Quality Control
Choosing a made to order door allows you to decide on every detail, from the door thickness, sizes, and wood species to the finish. This means better alignment with your home’s architecture and long-term durability.
4. Better Fit for Renovations
If your existing frames are in good condition, there’s no reason to replace them. Simply install a new door, align it with your current door hinge and lock placement. If your framed openings are a little off square, that’s no problem because at Royal Door & Trim Supplies, we can manufacture doors at any width and height to fit your existing opening.
Expert Tips for a Professional Finish
Whether you’re installing a prehung or an unmachined door, proper fit and finish make all the difference. Here are a few expert recommendations:
- Inspect your rough openings: Make sure they’re square and level before installation.
- Check your wall depth: Match the jamb depth to your wall thickness for a flush finish.
- Use quality hardware: Ball bearing hinges, handles, and locks should match both the function and aesthetic of your space.
If you’re unsure which option is best, our specialists can walk you through every stage.
The Takeaway
While prehung interior doors can simplify installation, they’re not always the best fit for every project, especially when you want custom detailing, design flexibility, or to preserve your existing trim.
Opting for custom unmachined doors gives you the ability to achieve a more cohesive, high-end look that integrates seamlessly with your home’s millwork, moulding, and door casing.
Explore Door Options at Royal Door & Trim Supplies
At Royal Door & Trim Supplies, we provide high-quality interior doors, trim, and moulding for homeowners, contractors, and designers across Ontario. From sleek modern Shaker profiles to classic Craftsman doors, our products are designed to elevate any space.
Whether you’re replacing a single door or updating an entire home, our team will help you find the perfect solution, one that looks beautiful, fits flawlessly, and lasts for years to come.
Visit our showroom or contact us today to learn more about our custom door options, moulding packages, and expert installation advice.
Your doors should do more than open; they should define your space.
