If you’re putting in a new door, you’ll need to install the hardware. This involves making a few careful cuts in the side of the door frame to create space for the door plate (aka the strike plate). The hole you need to cut is called a mortise and requires a simple woodworking technique. Use this step-by-step guide to learn how to cut out the door plate in a door frame.
Prepping to Install the Strike Plate
Before you can cut out a hole for the strike plate in your door frame (specifically in the door jamb), you’ll need to install your door, door handle, and door latch. The hole has to accommodate the latch when the door is closed, so make sure you cut it in the right place.
Though doors come in standard sizes, your door knob (and the latch behind it) can be anywhere from 34 to 48 inches high. If you’d rather leave these details to a pro, a door installer can get your door swinging.
How to Cut Out the Door Plate Mortise in a Door Frame
Most types of door latches come with a matching strike plate—if not, purchase one that matches. Bring your latch to the store to see what will fit, then grab your chisel, and start your installation. Follow these steps to cut out the mortise for your door’s strike plate.
Mark the Hole for the Latch on the Door Frame
There are several ways to mark the hole for the latch on your door frame. First, close the door until the protruding latch hits the door frame, and use a pencil to outline the shape of the latch against the frame.
Cover the end of the latch in an even layer of blue toothpaste, then close the door. Make sure the latch extends and hits the frame, locking the door if you need to. This effectively stamps the toothpaste into the frame at the exact location you need to cut. Open your door, and take note of the toothpaste mark.
Trace a Stencil Around Your Strike Plate
Next, you’re going to trace a stencil for your cuts. Take your strike plate and position it over the marking for the latch hole. The marking should be in the center of the plate. Hold the plate in place, then use your pencil to trace the outline of the plate onto the door frame. Make sure you also trace around the inside of the plate. This is the guide you’ll use to drill the latch hole.
Measure the Depth of the Latch
Photo: jopstock / Moment / Getty Images
The latch hole has to be the correct depth, or your door won’t completely lock. To get this figure, lock the latch with the door open (so it’s sticking out of the door). Use a tape measure to measure the depth of the latch (from the edge of the door to the tip of the latch). This will be the depth of the latch hole. Alternatively, you can use a tool to measure the depth of the latch hole in the door frame.
Drill the Hole for the Latch
Set your drill to the depth you measured in the previous step. Next, find the center of the guide you traced for your strike plate. Use your 7/8-inch drill bit to drill two overlapping holes into the door frame, one centered above the midpoint and one centered below the midpoint of the guide.
Once drilled, the latch hole should fill most of the space within the inner guideline, but you may need to clean up your cut. Use your smaller chisel to square off the edges of the hole so they match the guidelines.
Before you cut the hole for the door plate (the door plate mortise), make sure the latch works properly. Close your door and lock it. The latch should completely lock. If it’s difficult to lock or gets stuck, use a chisel to fine-tune the hole until the latch fits.
Chisel out the Strike Plate Mortise
Use the sharp edge of your larger chisel to score the outline of the mortise along the outer edge of your strike plate stencil. Then, carefully chisel away the wood inside the stencil to the same thickness as your door plate.
It’s important to use the right chisel technique when cutting a mortise. Dig the chisel into the door frame horizontally to create a ridge that’s the correct thickness. From there, wedge your chisel into the ridge and dig out the excess wood. Repeat the process every 1/3 to 1/4 inch until you’ve dug out the entire mortise at the correct depth.
Install the Strike Plate
Photo: The Toidi / Adobe Stock
The strike plate should fit right into the mortise. To install it, put the strike plate in place and use a pencil to mark the location of the screw holes. Remove the plate and drill pilot holes over the marks using your 3/32-inch drill bit. Install the plate by screwing it into the door frame.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
For most homeowners, professional door installation costs$500 to $2,000. Installing the strike plate is just a small piece of the installation process, and you won’t really save money on this job unless you DIY the entire door installation.
The good news is that installing an interior door is pretty straightforward—especially if you’re handy. The door and hardware will run you around $100 to $600, and you’ll save on labor costs. For more complicated situations like installing exterior, French, sliding, or custom doors, your best bet is to call a local door installation contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
To remove the door plates (aka strike plates), use a screwdriver to remove the screws, then pull the plate away from the door jamb. Sometimes, the plate gets stuck. In this case, use a utility knife to gently cut around the plate. Carefully pull the plate back and forth to loosen it. Keep cutting around the plate and pulling until it’s free from the jamb.
If you accidentally cut the mortise too deep, use a cardboard shim as a booster to help the strike plate lay flush against the door. Cut a cardboard shim to the same size as the strike plate, then put it in the mortise and reattach the strike plate.
For most doors, you can use a 1-inch chisel to create the mortise for the strike plate. In addition, you can use a 3/4-inch chisel for more refined cuts and to clean up the edges of your mortise. The smaller tool is handy when squaring off the edges around the hole for your latch.
Mariel is a writer from New York City who has a passion for helping renters and homeowners make their space unapologetically their own—and save a few bucks along the way.
Mariel is a writer from New York City who has a passion for helping renters and homeowners make their space unapologetically their own—and save a few bucks along the way.
The homeowners guide to Doors
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
