How to Fit a Door Frame Yourself
There comes a time that you have to replace your door frames for your home. As time passes, door frames could require replacement due to damage or general wear and wear and tear. In most cases, when purchasing a new door, the door frames are available in separate units and are often sold as door frame kits you must put together yourself.
Door frames are an incredibly vital structure because they must be solid, straight and level for your door to be able to sit and function properly. This is the reason the job of putting in a door frame should be completed correctly and in a safe manner. This isn’t something you can DIY and want to cut corners on.
If you think that making the door frames yourself sounds daunting Don’t be worried. This step-by-step guide will help you with every step, from the tools all the way up to the process of fitting your own door frame.
Step 1
The door frame you used to have should be taken off.
The first step in assembling the door frame is to install the door liner kit. It is necessary to put it together to create the lining of your door.
All the parts that make up your kit for lining the door into a big, clear space. This will let you be able to see all the components needed as well as keep you organised. It is likely that you will spend the majority of the process on your knees. Therefore, it is essential to use knee pads to relieve some pressure from your joints.
Step 2
It is necessary to locate the head section. You can determine this through the rebates on either edge of the piece.
It is evident that the rebates differ across both sides. On one side, you’ll see the rebates separated by 762 mm in order to accommodate wide doors. On the other hand, the rebates are placed by 686 mm.
The rebates are spaced and measured to fit the two widest doors. Verify and match the proper width to the size of your door.
Step 3
After selecting the right size rebate to fit your door’s width, you must then drill two clearance holes into each rebate. This will make the woodwork so that you’re ready to install the screws.
Step 4
Place your head on the side, and be sure to do this on a level surface. Now, you should put both jambs in the proper position into the recesses of the head. Make use of a hammer to gently tap them into place.
Utilising your clearance holes, fix the head and jamb with 75mm screws. Make sure that while performing this process that you hold your two wood pieces level with each other, allowing your frame to become sturdy and durable.
Step 5
The frame is now getting closer. Put the frame you have already made on a piece of wood (you might require assistance with lifting that is heavy). With a saw, you can remove the edges of overhang wood from the headpiece.
You must ensure you are sure that your head fits tightly to the edge on the outside of the jamb.
Step 6
Your frame requires bracing temporarily. This step will ensure your jambs remain in line and the head is symmetrical with the jambs. This brace can create an accurate and straight frame after installing it.
To construct your brace, you need to purchase scrap wood, we suggest 50mm by 50mm lumber.
Utilising this timber, put an additional brace to the door’s and lining. Find a distance of 100mm from the top of the door. Install a nail on each side to attach this to your frame. We suggest using thin because they are less difficult to take off in the future.
Check that the distance between jambs is identical on the upper and bottom. Utilising a measuring tape accomplishes this.
In the front of the door Utilising a utility square put it on the upper corner, and then create a brace. With a piece of wood, set it in a diagonal position, then attach it using screws and a wrench.
This will help keep the frame in place while the door’s lining gets fitted.
Step 7
The lining for the door is ready to be installed and put in the opening of your door.
There will be some packaging We recommend specially designed plastic packing containers to complete this task.
They are small pieces of plastic that fit into the space between your wall and frame. These will enable you to adjust for any irregularities in the wall as well as allowing you to ensure that the frame is aligned correctly.
Set these packers in the exact location in the area where hinges will be put. Utilise a hammer when you require fixing these further in the walls.
Step 8
The position of the fixings will be contingent on the kind of wall, brick or stud.
Begin with fixing your jamb which will serve as your hinges for doors. It is important to identify your first fixing spot starting from the bottom and upwards.
Find a distance of 100mm off the floor and then mark your first fix point. Then, measure the distance between 450mm and 450mm and mark the fixing point for every measurement.
- For walls made of studs
Each fixing must be placed 30 to 35 millimetres to the left of the jamb.
- For brick or block walls
Each fixing must be at least one third of the edge of the outside and each fixing should be placed in a staggered pattern. It is essential to use this method since it stops the bricks from splitting as you drill through them.
After you have identified those fixing spots, you can drill the holes for the screws at each of the clearance points. Be aware that if you’ve got a wood frame, you’ll have to countersink every hole to make room for screws to be inserted.
Step 9
You’ll need to verify the frame’s location. Utilising a spirit-level, place it in line with the jamb. Check that the frame is level, straight and level.
Step 10
If the home is built using a frame then you can put straight onto the lumber. But if it’s one piece of masonry you will need to mark out and create fixing holes with a drill bit for masonry, and then put in wall plugs.
The majority of fixing screws of 100mm can be used for fixing jambs. Make use of a drill to secure the screws in the jamb and ensure that it is fitted and firmly flush to the surface of the jamb.
Step 11
Utilising an 1800mm spirit level put it onto the front of the jamb in order to make sure that it is even and that there aren’t gaps.
If gaps are present If there are gaps, you can adjust the fixing screws and put in packing according to the frame being level and straight.
Get a spirit level that is shorter and ensure whether your frame’s head is at a level.
After that, you can fix the opposite face of the jamb employing the same procedure that was used on the first side. Once the jamb is fixed, verify that the frame’s levels are straight.
Step 12
Now you can take the brace off the frame. Make use of a hammer to gently tap the wooden battens off the frame. Remove the screws. The frame is now in place and the door can be put up.
Tools to Fit a Door Frame
If you want to effectively put your door frame correctly make sure you are completely equipped with these tools:
- Utility knife
- Hammer with claw
- A wood chisel (25mm or 37mm)
- Utility bar
- Tape measures
- General purpose saw panel
- Utility square
- Bolster
- Short spirit level (600mm)
- Long spirit level (1800mm)
- Power drill
- Wood bits
- Drill bits for Masonry
- Countersink bit
- Screwdriver
Safety Equipment to Fit a Door Frame
While working, you’ll be working with a variety of tools, such as drills and working with the timber. It is essential to ensure your safety and take precautions beginning with protective gear. Make sure you are wearing the following items before you attempt to comply with the steps.
- Protective gloves
- Safety goggles
- Knee pads
- Over-the-skin clothing to cover the skin
Keep in mind the following when working to ensure that you be as safe as you can:
- Maintain the area neat while you work. This will help keep you on the right track and organised as well as avoiding accidents that could cause a trip.
- Verify that the equipment is in good order prior to using them.
- Be sure to follow the safety directions of the manufacturer.
- It is necessary to wear a safety eyewear when making cuts, sawing, or using the Hammer.
- When handling wood, use gloves with a light weight to decrease the chance of splinters.
- During this process, ensure that everyone in the home is aware of the work, and ensure that children are not in the way.
Materials to Fit a Door Frame
You’ll need the following items to enable you to build a sturdy and comfortable door frame.
- Door lining kit
- The plywood is cut off and the wood is lumber
- Plastic packers
- 70mm and 100mm wooden screws
- 50mm nails
- 50mmx50mm planed wood
- Wall plugs
- Wood batten
It is crucial to remember that no two doors are identical, and door frames will differ in size and so does the material. Be sure to select the right door frame to match your door.
How to Prepare to Fit a Door Frame
Before installing an entryway frame, it is essential to be prepared and organized. You’ll be working with different materials and tools which is why it’s essential you have everything you require to finish the job in order and in your possession.
Before starting organising your work area. It is recommended that your old door frame has been completely removed prior to starting.
Once the frame is removed, we suggest that you organise your work space. It is necessary to clean a wide flat area so that you can assemble your door frame.
Unlock your lining kit and put all the pieces down each one on its own. This will help in identifying each frame piece and help you keep it all organised.
Door Frame Maintenance
In terms of maintenance, doors and frames in the majority of homes, they are often neglected. However, you must make sure that they continue to be cleaned once in intervals to maintain any appearance and maintenance.
Cleansing your frame for the door is an easy job, and we suggest the following steps:
- Dust your door frame
Make use of a soft microfibre fabric and moisten it by using warm water. After that, wipe the frame using the cloth to eliminate any dust.
- Removal of marks
To get rid of smudges or marks it is necessary to use a spray cleaner or fill up a bucket with hot soapy water as well as an absorbent sponge. Apply a layer of soap on the frame using the sponge and make circular motions to eliminate any marks. After the marks are gone, you can use a soft, dry towel to dry the frame completely.
If you own an unfinished wooden door or frame, you might decide to purchase Oil Soap to clean the frame. For this, you will need either a rag or cloth and then pour a substantial amount of oil on the cloth or. Then, you can apply the rag to clean the frame’s surface. When you do this, ensure that you clean towards the wood grain. After that, use a clean towel to clean the door, and get rid of any dust.
- Door frame painted with paint
If the door frame is painted, this could be cleaned with soap and warm water or perhaps you can use that all-purpose cleaner.
How to Remove a Door Frame
Removal of a door’s frame to allow for the new one is a simple job that can be accomplished with several common tools for DIY.
- To take off a door frame, first remove the door.
- To reach the original door lining, you have to take off the architrave. To accomplish this, you’ll require the utility knife. It is necessary to use the knife through the architrave’s edge at the point where it meets the frame, and on the edge that connects to the wall.
- Get a hammer along with a wood chisel. Place the chisel inside the groove that you just drew out. Lightly tap it with a hammer until you have left a small space within the architrave.
- You’ll need an offcut of wood and a bar. Remove the architrave carefully away from the wall using the utility bar. Place the wood behind the trim to avoid harm caused to your wall. Start working on the trim, and then loosen it at various places until it is free of the trim. Then, you’ll need to repeat the process for the remainder of the architrave around the door.
- It is now possible to gain access to the old door liner. With a saw, cut the wood jamb approximately half way up. Cut with a slight angle towards the downwards. This is crucial to assist in the next step of collapsing the frame.
- Use a bar for utility at the intersection you’ve just made within the jamb, then use a hammer lightly that allows the wooden frame to fall. Make use of an utility tool to pull it away from the wall.
- At this point, you need to remove any nails you have left out of the frame.
- Make sure to clean the area to prepare for the new frame.
FAQs
Q: How wide is a door frame?
A: Generally speaking, the standard width of a door frame is 34 inches. This is for all interior door frames, such as bedroom, bathroom, and hallway doors.
Q: How tall is a door frame?
A: Generally speaking, the standard height of a door frame is 6 feet 8 inches.
Q: What is the difference between a door frame and architrave?
A: The door frame is the structure created from two jambs and a headpiece often contained in a wood lining kit.
Architraves are decorative mouldings and these are not included in a door frame kit. You can buy many different types of architraves, and can often purchase them to match the style of your skirting boards.
Q: What type of wood is used on door frames?
A: The most popular choices for interior door frames are: adler, maple and pine. Pine is the most popular.
Q: How do I measure the size of my door frame?
A: To know what size door frame you will need to replace the current one you will firstly need to remove the architrave around the frame.
Once this has been removed, you will need to take a tape measure and measure the depth of the lining between the two wall faces of the frame.
Then continue to measure the width of the lining at the head, and also the height of the jambs. You will then have the correct measurements you need for your new door frame.
