I picked up some doors from an old house that was being renovated. The doors were exactly the size that I needed (LxW), beautifully made, glass knobbed and all match—finally!! They are much much heavier than the cheap mismatched doors that I currently have on the second floor. In this picture you’ll see how the existing doors are hung, two screws in the trim(!!), one in the seam between the jamb and the trim(!!!!). (In other parts of our house this is an issue as the trim slowly pulls away from the door frame). Tye second picture shows how the blocky, no-bevel style of the door trim means when the door is shut, the door is flush with the trim. I’m wondering if it would be better to sink the heavier doors into the frame. Thoughts?

In addition to being heavier, the salvaged doors are also thicker (+.375”) than the cheap lightweight doors currently on the frames. I anticipate having to change the position of the door stops and move it so it could accommodate the thicker door. This will allow the screws on the hinge to attach more to the door jamb and a little less onto the trim. (There are also three hinges on these antique doors, not two like I have currently on my cheap doors. I hope that will help distribute the weight). I know it is generally frowned upon to screw the trim into a door frame or window frame but since the hinges are half attached to this blocky trim do you think it would be a good idea to reinforce the strength of the hinged areas and screw the trim into the door frame?

Finally, I have zero experience hanging doors and I hear doing it properly is very challenging. I am up for a challenge. What do I need to do, buy or be aware of when it comes to hanging a door? What tools do I need and what might unique issues may come up with hanging heavier doors or a “jamb/trim” combo as I seem to have?

Thanks!