Today, we built a door frame to insert into the new break room that is basically the guinea pig for our whole construction curriculum. After learning all the things that can be cocked up on a door,  I shall never take a door for granted again.

Who knew there were so many things to think about when it comes to doors? Which side do you want the knob on? (Answer: It depends.) If you could have only one of the four sides level, which side would you choose? (Answer: The bottom.) If you live in a hurricane climate, which way do you want the door to open? (Answer: Out.)

Sounds like the fundamental rule of door installation is this: Always bring a sledgehammer. And if that doesn’t work—if there’s still daylight in the cracks, the panel swings against the floor, or the strike makes a black line on the jamb—there’s this comforting rule of thumb: “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.”