How to Remove Interior Doors and Trim
Doors must come off for flooring installation - they're in the way and won't clear the new floor height. Removing doors is quick and easy, but you'll need to trim them later to fit the new floor level. Also remove door casing to allow flooring to extend properly.
Quick Summary
Time needed
1-2 hours
Cost
$0 (use existing tools)
Difficulty
Easy
Why Doors Must Come Off
New flooring adds height - anywhere from 1/4 inch (thin vinyl) to 3/4 inch (thick hardwood with underlayment). Doors won't clear this new height and will drag on the floor. Plus, you can't install flooring under a closed door or work around an open one.
Planning Ahead: You'll reinstall doors after flooring is complete, but they'll need trimming from the bottom. Factor in time for this - cutting and rehanging doors adds 1-2 hours per door.
Step-by-Step Door Removal
1. Remove the Hinge Pins
Doors hang on hinge pins that slide out easily. No need to unscrew hinges from the frame.
Technique:
- 1. Open door partially (45 degrees)
- 2. Place a long nail or screwdriver under hinge pin
- 3. Tap upward with hammer - pin pops out the top
- 4. Remove bottom pin first, then middle, then top
- 5. Support door weight as you remove final pin
- 6. Lift door off hinges carefully
Two-Person Job: Doors are heavier than they look, especially solid wood ones. Get help to prevent dropping and damaging the door.
2. Label Every Door Immediately
Doors are custom-fit to their frames. A bedroom door won't fit in the bathroom frame even if they look the same size.
Labeling System: Use painter's tape or sticky notes on the top edge of the door. Write the room name clearly ("Master Bedroom", "Hall Bath", etc.). Also mark which edge has the hinges. Keep hinge pins in a labeled bag for each door.
3. Remove Door Casing (Trim)
The trim around door frames should be removed so new flooring can slide underneath, just like with baseboards.
Steps:
- 1. Score paint line with utility knife
- 2. Start at bottom corner with putty knife
- 3. Work pry bar behind trim gently
- 4. Pry from multiple points along the length
- 5. Remove side casing, then top piece
- 6. Label each piece on the back
Use the same technique as baseboard removal - patience and protecting the wall with scrap wood behind your pry bar.
4. Store Doors Flat and Safe
Doors warp if stored improperly. Keep them flat and stable during your flooring project.
Correct Storage:
- ✓ Lay completely flat on level surface
- ✓ Stack with cardboard between
- ✓ Don't lean against walls
- ✓ Keep in temperature-stable area
- ✓ Protect from dust and damage
Avoid:
- ✗ Leaning vertically (causes warping)
- ✗ Outdoor storage (moisture damage)
- ✗ Stacking heavy items on top
- ✗ Garage extremes (too hot/cold)
- ✗ Storing for weeks without support
Planning for Door Trimming (After Flooring)
Once new flooring is installed, you'll need to trim doors to clear the new floor height. This happens at the end of the project, not now, but it's good to understand the process.
How to Determine Cut Amount:
- 1. Place door in position against frame (after flooring is done)
- 2. Put piece of new flooring under door plus cardboard for clearance
- 3. Mark cut line on door with pencil
- 4. Typical clearance needed: 1/4 to 1/2 inch above floor
- 5. Cut with circular saw, jigsaw, or oscillating tool
- 6. Sand cut edge smooth and touch up paint/stain
Pro Tip: You don't need to trim doors perfectly square - a slight angle isn't noticeable since you can't see the bottom edge when the door is hung. Focus on getting the right clearance height.
Pro Tips for Door Removal
Keep Hardware Together: Put each door's hinge pins in a small labeled bag. If you remove the hinges themselves, keep all screws with them. Nothing worse than searching for a lost hinge pin when you're ready to rehang doors.
Photograph First: Take a photo of each door in its frame before removal. This confirms which door goes where and shows hinge orientation when you're ready to reinstall.
Don't Remove Hinges from Doors: Leave the hinges attached to the door itself if possible. This maintains alignment and makes rehanging easier. Just pop the pins out of the knuckles.
Consider Upgrading Doors: If your doors are damaged, hollow-core, or outdated, flooring replacement is a perfect time to upgrade to solid-core or new style doors. Shop before removal to ensure new doors arrive in time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to remove doors for flooring installation?
Yes, if you're installing flooring in the room where the door swings or in adjacent rooms. Doors in the way make installation impossible, and the new floor height means doors won't clear the floor properly. Remove doors before starting flooring work and plan to trim them after installation.
How much do I cut off the bottom of doors after new flooring?
Typically 1/4 to 1/2 inch above the new floor surface to allow clearance for door swing and air circulation. Place a piece of your new flooring plus a piece of cardboard (for clearance) under the door to mark the cut line. Cut with a circular saw or oscillating tool.
Should I remove door trim or leave it on?
Remove the bottom door trim (casing) at minimum. This allows new flooring to slide underneath for a professional finish. If you leave trim on, you'll see the flooring edge and need transition pieces or caulk, which doesn't look as clean. Remove all door casing if possible.
Ready for the Next Step?
With doors removed, you can now properly inspect the subfloor for any damage or issues that need addressing.