How to Hang a Door (2026): Fitting Hinges, Locks and Stoppers Step by Step

Oct 18, 2026

Buy More Mall Kenya

A badly hung door scrapes the floor, will not latch and lets in dust. Hanging a door well is a careful, step-by-step job that most handy people can do with basic tools and an afternoon.

Quick answer: Measure the frame, trim the door to leave a gap of about 3 mm at the top and sides and 8–10 mm at the bottom, mark hinges about 15 cm from the top and 20–25 cm from the bottom (a third hinge in the middle for heavy doors), chisel the hinge recesses, screw the hinges to the door and then the frame, check the swing, and fit the lock, tower bolt and door stopper. Doors start from KSh 1,500 and hinges from KSh 30 on Buy More Mall.

Parts and Tools

Laminated wooden doors – price in Kenya — Laminated wooden doors
**KSh 3,000**

2Nd Hand Doors – price in Kenya — 2Nd Hand Doors
**KSh 1,500**

Hinges Heavy-4" – price in Kenya — Hinges Heavy-4"
**KSh 50**

Oxford Hinges – price in Kenya — Oxford Hinges
**KSh 250**

Iron Tower Bolt-3" – price in Kenya — Iron Tower Bolt-3"
**KSh 30**

Door Stopper Silver – price in Kenya — Door Stopper Silver
**KSh 150**

Screw Driver 2 In 1 – price in Kenya — Screw Driver 2 In 1
**KSh 200**

Chisel – price in Kenya — Chisel
**KSh 150**

Some photos are reference images of the product type, used under open licences. Image credits are on each product page.

Item	Use	Price
Laminated wooden doors	Laminated wooden door	KSh 3,000
2Nd Hand Doors	Second-hand door	KSh 1,500
Hinges Heavy-4"	Heavy 4" hinges	KSh 50
Hinges Heavy-3"	Heavy 3" hinges	KSh 30
Oxford Hinges	Oxford hinges	KSh 250
Iron Tower Bolt-3"	Tower bolt for locking	KSh 30
Door Stopper Silver	Door stopper	KSh 150
Screw Driver 2 In 1	Screwdriver	KSh 200
Chisel	Chisel for hinge recesses	KSh 150

Also: tape measure, pencil, handsaw or plane, drill and wood screws.

Step by Step

Measure the frame opening at the top, middle and bottom, and both diagonals.
Trim the door with a saw or plane: about 3 mm gap at top and sides, 8–10 mm at the bottom (more over thick mats).
Mark the hinges on the door edge: 15 cm from the top, 20–25 cm from the bottom, third hinge centred for heavy doors.
Cut recesses with a chisel so the hinge leaf sits flush.
Screw the hinges to the door.
Wedge the door in the opening at the right gaps and mark the hinge positions on the frame.
Recess and fix to the frame with one screw per hinge first; test the swing.
Adjust, then drive the remaining screws.
Fit hardware: lock or latch, tower bolt, handles and door stopper.

Which Hinges for Which Door?

Door	Hinges
Light internal door	Two 3" hinges
Standard wooden door	Two or three 4" hinges
Heavy or external door	Three heavy 4" hinges
Cupboard doors	Concealed (hydraulic) hinges
Steel security doors	Welded hinges, fitted by a fabricator

For steel doors see steel security door prices, and for locks padlocks, hinges and door hardware.

How Much Does Door Installation Cost?

Hanging a door in an existing frame is a short job for a carpenter; new frames, masonry work and steel doors cost more. Find carpenters on the Buy More Mall Services Marketplace.

Cost ranges are rough planning estimates for 2026 and vary by county, materials and labour; get a written quote.

Worked Example: Fixing a Door That Will Not Close

A door in an old house rubs at the top corner. The owner tightens loose hinge screws, replaces stripped ones with longer screws into the frame, and planes 2 mm off the top edge. The door now closes and latches smoothly.