Prehung vs. Slab Doors: Which Should You Buy?
Understand the difference between prehung and slab doors, the pros and cons of each, and which is right for your project.
One of the first decisions when buying a door is whether you need just the door (a slab) or the whole assembly (prehung). The right answer depends entirely on your project.
What is a slab door?
A slab is the door panel alone — no frame, no hinges attached. You hang it in an existing, sound frame. Slabs cost less, ship easily, and are the obvious choice when you are simply replacing a tired door and the jamb is in good shape.
What is a prehung door?
A prehung door comes already mounted in its frame, with hinges installed and the bore prepped. You install the whole unit into the rough opening. It is more work to buy but easier to get hanging straight, which is ideal for new construction or when the old frame is damaged or out of square.
Pros and cons
- Slab – pros: lower cost, easy to transport, quick swap. Cons: needs a good existing frame and careful hinge alignment.
- Prehung – pros: everything aligned from the factory, better for new openings. Cons: heavier, bulkier, higher cost.
How to decide
Replacing a door in a solid, square frame? Buy a slab. Building new, moving a wall, or fighting an old warped jamb? Prehung will save you frustration. In older Central Florida homes especially, check whether the existing frame is square before committing — our measuring guide shows how. Still unsure? Ask us and we will point you the right way.