How To Fit A Door Frame - A Step By Step Guide
A door frame, also known as a door lining, is necessary to hold a door in its place. When you are planning to install a door in your home, a certain type of framework is required to function properly. A door frame is an essential part that is mainly hidden within the wall to provide support to the door, allowing it to open and shut easily.
Neither all doors are the same, nor are their frames. So to ensure that your door fits and functions properly, it is necessary that you fit the frame right. This is applicable for both external and internal doors as well.
Door Frame - Tool Kit
There are various door frame kits, and door liner sets available in the market. To complete this project by yourself, you will require the following tools and materials-
- Oak/Timber Board
- Measuring Tape
- Safety Goggles
- Hand Saw
- Tapered Wood Shims
- Nails, Screws & Drill Bits
- Hammer
- Cordless Power Drill
- Spirit Level
- Sand Paper
- Hinges
- Concrete Cement (optional)
To replace an old door frame or fit a completely new frame for your door all by yourself, this article is just perfect for you. We have mentioned step-by-step instructions for fitting a door frame perfectly without any hassle.
1. Start With The Perfect Measurements
Before starting, it is necessary to clarify all the measurements, such as the frame's height, width, and length. Not all door frames have similar dimensions, but the standard size is 762mm wide.
With the help of a measuring tape, measure the space on the top, middle, and bottom of the opening and use the most comprehensive measurement. Then measure the space on the left, middle, and right-hand side of the opening and use the widest measurement. Mark all the dimensions on the piece of oak or timber that you would have purchased to make the door frame.
2. Cut Cut, Chop Chop!
The legs of the door frame are also known as door jambs or side jambs. Carve out the measurements in a straight line on the piece of timber carefully with a pencil and mark out the excess timber to be trimmed. After chopping out the timber into desired or marked shapes, saw off the overhang on each side of the head or lintel section of the frame.
Follow the same procedure to make both the jambs of the frame. When you are ready with the head and jambs for your door frame, take the sandpaper and even out the edges of the head and side jambs of the door frame.
3. Fit The Frame Carefully
After cutting the timber for a door frame, now it's time to assemble the frame. Use 3mm steel drill bits to drill holes into the timber to guide the screws into place. Drill the screws through the lintel into the head of the frame to hold it in place.
Trim the frame's head to size. Place the jambs against the head, with the inside edge of the jambs against the pencil mark. It is advisable and convenient to assemble and fit the frame on the floor first.
4. Plumb Carefully Using Shims
Place the frame into the opening and use the spirit level to ensure it is levelled. Cut the lintel doorstop to size, pin it into position to suit the door thickness, and now do the same with the door jambs. Lastly, fill in any holes with pins or screws.
Check whether the frame is levelled correctly with a spirit level. If you find an area that is not levelled, insert shims into it and fill the space with concrete cement. Double-check the space left to ensure that the door will fit with the allowed clearance for the door hinges to be installed.
5. Mount the Door Frame
Now that you are sure about the size of the door frame and everything looks perfect, it's time to mount the door frame into the surrounding wall. Nail holes in the head and jambs of the frame and mount the frame carefully to the wall.
Now that your door frame is mounted to the wall, nail holes again in it and install door hinges. These hinges will allow the door to fit the frame perfectly, and you cannot attach your door to the frame without hinges.
Precautions To Consider When Installing a Door Frame
There is always an alternative to getting professional help when fitting a door frame. But if you want to do it on your own, it is advisable that you should follow the precautions mentioned below.
- When cutting timber, it is advisable to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from any damage.
- The timber used for the door frame should be free from stains, warping, cracks, and decay.
- Be extra careful with the hammer and nails. Wear hand gloves for extra protection if necessary.
- It is always a good option to have a wider door frame that can be trimmed over a short one, which would be useless.
- Keep kids away from this project, and always have a first-aid kit handy.
Conclusion
Fitting a door frame can surely be hectic and time-consuming. It is always nice to have a helping hand when doing such complex tasks. Also, do note that door frames can be fragile and can become misaligned if not fitted with utmost care.
FAQs On Door Frame Fitting
Is a Door Frame Hard to Fit?
If you have some carpentry experience, this is likely a project you can tackle yourself. It's important to ensure the frame is assembled correctly and installed straight, levelled, and plumbed so that the door can be easily installed.
What is the Difference between a Door Frame and and an architrave?
An architrave is a piece of wood that goes around the door frame to cover the gap between the wall and the door frame. They're often selected for decorative purposes. A door frame is also made of wood and is usually installed to help a door fit and function.
How to Fit a Door Frame in a Stud Wall?
The wall's opening must be wide enough for the door and door frame to fit. If you want to go the extra mile, add the width of a stud to either side of the opening you mark.
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