A prehung door arrives already mounted in its frame. A slab door is just the door itself, without a frame or hinges. Each option has its advantages, and the right choice depends on the condition of your existing doorway and the scope of the project.
A slab door is often a practical choice when the existing frame is square, sturdy, and in good condition. However, the new slab may need hinge and lock mortises cut to match the existing hardware locations. This additional work can increase installation time and labor costs.
A prehung door is usually the better option for exterior replacements, damaged frames, or openings that need substantial adjustments. Because the door and frame are installed together, it can be easier to achieve proper alignment and a reliable fit.
Mr. Handyman can handle both types of installations, assessing the existing opening and helping you choose the most suitable option for your home, budget, and door requirements.
Choosing a Door Material
The material you choose affects more than your door's appearance. It also influences the upfront cost, maintenance requirements, durability, insulation, and security. In the Treasure Valley, where summers are hot and dry, and winters can bring freezing temperatures, it's worth considering how each material will hold up throughout the year.
The table below compares three common door materials to help you narrow down your options.
These ratings are only part of the story, so let’s look at what each material is really like.
Wood Doors
Wood doors offer a natural, timeless appearance and can be customized with different stains, finishes, and designs. They're a popular choice for homeowners who want a traditional look or distinctive architectural details. However, wood generally requires more maintenance than other materials, including periodic painting or sealing. Treasure Valley temperature changes and exposure to moisture can cause swelling, warping, or cracking if the door isn't properly protected.
Steel Doors
Steel doors are often a cost-effective option for exterior entrances, offering strong security and good insulation when fitted with an insulated core. They're also relatively low-maintenance and can suit a range of home styles. However, steel can dent, and scratches that expose the underlying metal may lead to rust if left untreated. Keeping the finish in good condition helps extend the door's lifespan.
Fiberglass Doors
Fiberglass doors combine durability with good insulation and relatively little maintenance. They resist many of the problems associated with moisture and temperature changes, making them a practical option for Treasure Valley homes. Many designs also replicate the appearance of natural wood without requiring the same level of upkeep. Fiberglass doors typically cost more than basic steel options, but their durability and energy performance may make the additional investment worthwhile.
Weatherproofing and Energy Efficiency for Treasure Valley Homes
A door can be energy efficient on its own, but gaps around the door can still allow conditioned air to escape. Weatherstripping helps seal the space between the door and frame, while a door sweep helps close the gap along the bottom. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends properly installed weatherstripping and sweeps to reduce air infiltration while still allowing the door to open and close normally.
While weatherstripping helps seal the edges of a door, the bottom of the doorway also needs attention to prevent drafts and moisture from getting inside. This is where checking thresholds becomes important. If the threshold has shifted, deteriorated, or no longer meets the door correctly, air and moisture can find their way inside. Sealing the threshold and addressing damaged surrounding materials can improve comfort and help protect the door assembly.
When an exterior door is being replaced, consider an insulated door that is appropriate for the local climate. The U.S. Department of Energy's guidance on energy-efficient residential doors explains how factors such as U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) influence energy performance and help homeowners choose products suited to their climate.
Climate is another important factor when choosing an exterior door, as temperature swings can affect indoor comfort and heating and cooling needs. Boise is identified as climate zone 6B in the IECC climate-zone system, meaning the area falls within a cool, dry climate classification.
For homeowners, this means looking beyond the door itself when improving energy efficiency. Even a well-insulated door can allow drafts and unwanted heat transfer if the frame has gaps, the weatherstripping is worn, or the threshold doesn't seal properly.
Checking these components together helps reduce air leaks, maintain more consistent indoor temperatures, and prevent moisture from entering around the doorway. This is particularly useful in the Treasure Valley, where hot summers and cold winters can put extra demands on home heating and cooling systems.
If you notice drafts around an existing opening, window and door weatherproofing can be a practical place to start before deciding whether the entire door needs to be replaced.
Door Types We Install
Mr. Handyman provides door installation and replacement services for a range of residential and commercial needs throughout the Treasure Valley, with an understanding that different rooms and entry points call for different types of doors. The right choice depends on the available space, how the door will be used, the condition of the existing opening, and the look you want.
- Patio Doors: A patio door should operate smoothly without slowing you down. If it sticks, has a broken latch, or won’t close properly, installation or repair can address the problem. New patio doors can also provide a practical way to improve access to outdoor spaces.
- Screen Doors: Keep bugs outside while allowing fresh air into your home. Screen door installation and repair can include replacing an existing door, installing a new screen door, or replacing torn or damaged screening.
- Sliding Doors: If a sliding door does not move as smoothly as it once did, worn rollers or damaged tracks may be responsible. Sliding door services can address those components or provide installation of a new sliding door.
- Pet Doors: Pet doors can be installed in a variety of locations, including suitable solid or hollow interior doors and screened areas. Proper sizing and placement help make the opening convenient for pets while maintaining the door’s function.
- Pocket Doors: Pocket doors slide into the wall and can save valuable floor space. Because their hardware is concealed, installation and repair can require careful attention to the track and surrounding structure.
- Barn Doors: Barn doors can add a distinctive look while providing a useful alternative to a traditional swinging door. Choosing the correct hardware and mounting arrangement is important for smooth, reliable operation.
- Exterior Door Installation and Replacement: Exterior doors need to open and close smoothly, lock securely, and seal against the weather. Proper installation can help reduce drafts, improve security, and limit unwanted energy loss.
- Keyless Entry Installation and Replacement: Keyless entry systems provide an alternative to traditional keys. They can offer convenient access without requiring homeowners to leave a spare key outside.
- Storefront Door and Window Repair: Storefront doors and windows need to remain secure and functional while maintaining a professional appearance. Repairs can address misalignment, damaged locks, frame problems, and other common issues.
- Storm Door Installation and Replacement: A storm door provides another layer of protection outside the main entry door. It can also improve ventilation and help reduce drafts while keeping insects outside.
- Door Closer Installation and Repair: An automatic door closer helps a door close after use. These devices are useful in commercial spaces and other entrances where controlled closing is important.
- Interior Door Installation and Repair: Interior doors provide privacy and separate living spaces, but hinges, hardware, frames, and alignment all affect how well they work. Installation and repair can address problems ranging from damaged hinges to framing issues.
No matter what door you want installed, Mr. Handyman has very likely installed or repaired it before and will be more than happy to do it again for you!
Accessible and Aging-in-Place Door Upgrades
Door upgrades can also make a home easier to navigate for people with limited mobility or changing accessibility needs. Lever handles are generally easier to operate than round knobs because they can be pushed down with less gripping strength. They can also be convenient when carrying groceries, laundry, or other items. Installing a door handle can make for a relatively simple change that improves everyday usability.
For people using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility equipment, a wider doorway can provide more room to move through the home. You may, for example, consider widening a doorway when the existing opening does not provide enough clearance.
Lower thresholds can also reduce the height that needs to be crossed when moving between rooms or entering a home. Depending on the doorway, lowering or replacing the threshold can make the transition easier while maintaining a functional seal.
Door Installation Across the Treasure Valley
Whether you're replacing a front door, updating your interior doors, or finally fixing that patio door that never seems to close properly, Mr. Handyman is here to help. Homeowners throughout the Treasure Valley can get help with door installation and replacement, with service available in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Eagle, Kuna, Caldwell, Star, Garden City, Middleton and beyond.
Not sure what to expect? A little local insight can go a long way. Take a look at the local reviews from local homeowners to hear about their experiences, then browse recent local projects to see examples of the work. It's a helpful way to get a feel for the service before deciding what's right for your home.
Book Your Door Installation
Ready for a new door? Call us, send an email, or use the contact page to get a free estimate and discuss your project. Service covers homes across the Treasure Valley, from Boise to Middleton.
