How to Replace a Door Frame
If your home aesthetic needs a refresh, or you just fancy a change to the decor, putting in a new door is a subtle way to make a big difference.
While it’s a job that calls for a bit of DIY know-how to ensure the finish is seamless and the door you hang fits perfectly, a little patience and the right tools will go a long way, and you’ll have that door frame up in no time.
Follow our step-by-step guide with advice from our experts to get started.
Tools you need:
- Pencil
- Utility knife
- DrillHammer
- Chisel
- Pry bar
- Scraper
- Spirit Level
- Set square
- Nails
- Sandpaper
- Wedge-shaped door packers (thin pieces of material which will go between the frame and wall)
- Your new door frame
Step 1: Remove the old door frame
1. Cut the seal
Use a utility knife to cut around the edge of the architrave on both sides of the door frame.
This cuts away any paint, wallpaper or other sealants, so the architrave won't cause any damage as it's being removed.
2. Remove the architrave
Using a hammer and chisel, gently tap between the architrave and the wall until there is enough room to fit a pry bar in.
Use the pry bar to carefully pry the architrave away from the wall, moving around the trim and loosening it in different places until it comes off. Work slowly to avoid damaging the surrounding plaster.
Note: If you plan to reuse the architrave or pieces of it, label each piece to remind you how it will go back on.
Note: The wooden section denotes the door frame. The white section denotes the architrave.
3. Remove old sealant and nails
Use a scraper to remove any caulk, glue or nails that were left behind to get a smooth surface to reapply your new frame and trim.
4. Remove the frame
If the frame is screwed in, first remove the screws.
Use a pry bar to lever the frame away from the wall.
Start at the top and work your way down the sides being careful not to damage the surrounding brickwork or plaster. If the frame is rotten, it may come away in pieces.
If the frame has a sill at the bottom, remove this last. Sills are normally fixed with a silicone sealant, not nails, but you should still be able to pry it off in the same way.
5. Clean the opening
Remove any leftover nails or screws and scrape where the frame was to remove any caulk or sealant and gently sand the surface so it becomes smooth. This will leave you with a clear opening, ready for a new frame.
Step 2: Fit a new door frame
- Assemble the frame
Lay the frame on a clean surface with enough space to assemble it. Fit both jambs into the correct recesses in the head, ensuring they align properly. It can cause issues when hanging the door if they don't properly align.
If the joints are tight, use a rubber mallet or a hammer with a wood block to gently tap them in place without damaging the wood and secure each jamb using long screws to ensure a firm and stable connection.
Double-check that the corners are square using a set square.
2. Trim the head (if needed)
Most pre-made door frames are slightly wider than the rough opening to allow for adjustments.
Measure the width of the opening and trim the headpiece on either side if necessary.
Leave a small gap of around 5mm-10mm around the frame to allow for adjustments once it’s positioned in the opening.
3. Brace the frame
Use scrap timber braces to keep the frame stable and square during installation. Nail on the braces with thin nails so that it will be easy to remove later.
Start by bracing the bottom of the frame. Measure the distance between the jambs at the top of the frame and cut a piece of timber to match. Secure it across the bottom using thin nails or screws that will be easy to remove later.
Use a set square and spirit level to ensure the top corners (especially the one where the hinges will go) are perfectly square.
How to check the frame is square:
- Measure diagonally from the top left corner to the bottom right and the top right corner to the bottom left.
- If both measurements are the same, the frame is square.
- If there is more than a 5mm difference between the measurements, adjust the braces and reposition them before you continue.
4. Insert the frame into the door opening
Once you're sure that the frame is level all around, carefully place it in the rough opening, ensuring it is centred and has equal gaps on each side to make adjustments if you need to.
5. Pack and level the frame
Use a spirit level to check the frame is still level. Use the door packers at the sides to align the frame correctly. These can be used to compensate for where the walls may not be even. Ideally, your frame will sit flush with the wall or protrude by about 1mm – especially if you are fitting an architrave.
6. Fix the frame in place
The fixings you use to fix the frame in place will depend on the wall:
- For stud walls, use long wood screws (minimum 80mm) to secure the frame into the studs.
- For brick or masonry walls, drill pilot holes through the frame and use frame fixings or masonry screws (80mm+). Use wall plugs if necessary.
Follow this order for fixing the frame in place:
- Secure the head first, ensuring it remains level.
- Fix the hinge-side jamb next, as this must be the most secure.
- Finally, fix the latch-side jamb while keeping an eye on alignment.
Final checks
Before you rehang the door, double-check the frame looks level.
- Use a spirit level to ensure the frame is straight, level, and plumb.
- If there are gaps between the wall and the frame, trim the shims with a knife and knock them flush with a hammer.
- Fill any remaining gaps with expanding foam, caulk, or plaster.
For a professional finish, cover the space between the wall and the frame with an architrave.
Top tips when replacing a door frame
Follow these top tips from our experts when replacing your door frame.
- Use pilot holes: Always drill pilot holes first, as this will prevent the wood from splitting.
- Check the swing of the door: Before you secure the frame in place, check that the door will swing correctly.
- Measure twice, cut once: Getting accurate measurements is the most important thing for a seamless finish. Take your time with this.
- If in doubt, ask a professional: If you're unsure about any part of the process, it's always best to seek professional help.
Shop internal doors and architraves at Leader Online
Replacing a door frame can be straightforward when you carefully follow the steps above. It can be a great way to refresh your space, especially if the old frame is worn or damaged.
Our selection at Leader Online includes premium quality pine, hardwood, and oak timber door frames suitable for fire-rated and standard doors. We also have a range of skirting boards, architraves and internal doors so you can fully refresh your space with quality, stylish products.
