A door frame provides an opening in a wall to allow access through a doorway. Installing a new door frame takes careful measurement, precise cuts, and secure fastening to ensure it is structurally sound and properly aligned. With the right tools and materials, you can successfully build and install a door frame yourself.
Planning Your Door Frame
Before starting construction, take time to plan the exact size and location of your new door frame.
Determine Door Size
- Measure the height and width of the door you plan to hang. Standard interior door sizes are 30″, 32″, 34″ or 36″ wide x 80″ high. The rough opening of the frame should be sized 1/2″ to 3/4″ larger than the door itself.
- For example, if your door is 32″ x 80″, you’ll need a rough opening of 32-1/2″ x 80-1/2″.
Choose Frame Type
- Pre-hung door units come with frames already assembled and ready to install. This is the easiest option.
- You can also build your own door frame. This takes more work but allows full customization.
- Common frame types are wood, steel, and fiberglass. Wood is attractive but less durable. Steel and fiberglass are more resistant to weather and wear.
Pick a Location
- Decide exactly where the door frame will sit within the wall studs.
- It’s easiest to center the frame over a stud to ensure adequate nailing points on each side.
- Use a stud finder to locate studs and mark their edges with pencil. This will guide framing placement.
Gather Materials and Tools
Building a new door frame from scratch involves careful cutting and joining of lumber. Having the right supplies on hand will make the process easier.
Lumber
- The most common lumber for door framing is 2×4 or 2×6 boards for the studs and 5/4 x 4 or x6 boards for the actual door frame.
- Choose wood that is straight, free of large knots, and S4S (surfaced on four sides) for easy joining.
- For durability, select pressure-treated lumber for exterior doors or moisture-resistant composite trim for bathrooms or laundry rooms.
Fasteners
- 3″ galvanized wood screws
- 16d or 8d galvanized casing nails
- Exterior-rated wood glue
- Shims for leveling and plumbing the frame
Tools
- Circular or miter saw for cutting boards to length
- Drill/driver for driving screws
- Hammer for tapping nails
- Tape measure and carpenter’s square for measuring and marking cuts
- Level to check plumb and level
- Clamps to secure boards during assembly
- Pry bar for adjusting frame in opening
- Safety gear – glasses, ear protection, gloves, etc.
Constructing the Frame
Once you have all the materials and tools assembled, you’re ready to start building the door frame. Good joinery technique is key to creating a frame that will be structurally sound for years to come.
Cut Boards to Size
- Refer to your opening measurements to calculate the lengths you’ll need. Standard door heights are 80″. Widths vary from 30″ to 36″.
- Cut top (header) and bottom (sill) boards to the exact width of the planned rough opening.
- Cut the side jamb boards to the rough opening height.
Join Frame Members
- Arrange boards face down and end-to-end to form a rectangle.
- Apply wood glue at joints. Clamp tightly in position.
- Drill pilot holes and drive 3″ screws through the jambs into the ends of the header and sill.
- Drill and screw in both directions at each corner for extra strength.
Cut Jamb Extensions
- Door jambs need to extend past the wall surface so trim can be attached.
- Mark and rip 1×4 boards to 4-5″ width to create jamb extensions.
- Glue and screw extensions onto both side jambs, keeping them flush.
Install Shims
- Shims fill gaps behind the jambs for leveling and plumbing the frame.
- Attach one shim about 6″ from the top of each jamb. Use pairs at the bottom.
- Make sure shims do not extend past jamb edges to interfere with casing.
Finish Smooth
- Inspect joints and sand any rough areas for a smooth finish.
- Fill screw holes with wood filler and sand smooth when dry.
Installing the Frame
With construction complete, it’s time to install the door frame into the rough opening. Work slowly and deliberately for the best results.
Check Rough Opening
- Verify the measurements of the rough opening in the wall. It should be 1/2″ larger than the door frame in both width and height.
- Use a level and plum line to ensure the opening is square and plumb. Fix any issues before proceeding.
Fit Frame in Opening
- Set the door frame centered into the opening. Temporarily tack it in place with tapcons through the jambs.
- Use a level to make the frame plumb and pry bar to adjust as needed.
- Once aligned, insert shims between the jambs and framing at the top, bottom, and behind each hinge location.
Secure Jambs
- With the frame solidly shimmed, drive 8d casing nails through the jambs into the wall studs. Space nails every 12″ around the perimeter.
- Do not nail through the shims – only into the framing members. Sink nail heads slightly.
Check for Plumb and Level
- Confirm the frame is still plumb and level after nailing. Make any necessary adjustments.
- Drive shims in tightly but avoid bending the jambs out of position. Take your time.
- The goal is to have jambs solidly shimmed straight, plumb, and with edges flush to the wall.
Install Door
- With the frame securely in place, follow manufacturer’s instructions to install the door into the hinges.
- Carefully level and center the door in the opening with shims under the hinges.
- Secure hinge screws to hold door in place.
- Confirm smooth operation and adequate clearance all around. Now you’re ready for trim!
Proper installation is crucial, so work slowly and double check your measurements. Creating a plumb, square, level frame takes patience and practice. The finished product will function and look great for years to come!
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with careful planning and execution, issues can arise when installing a new door frame. Here are some potential problems and ways to fix them:
Frame is out of square:
- Check diagonals with tape measure to identify issue.
- Adjust using pry bar and shims until both diagonals match.
Jambs twist or bow:
- Make sure shims are only behind jambs, not under them.
- Straighten with additional screws into framing.
Jambs extend unevenly:
- Confirm header and sill are equal widths.
- Use pry bar to adjust alignment as needed.
Door binds against jamb:
- Ensure frame is plumb and door is centered.
- Make sure hinges are flush to jamb and door edge.
- Plane or sand door edge if rubbing occurs.
Door drags on floor:
- Check for level header and proper clearance under door.
- Raise with extra shims under one jamb if needed.
Paying attention to detail goes a long way toward avoiding problems down the road. Having a quality level, square, tape measure, and screws can help correct any minor issues.
Maintaining Your Door Frame
A properly installed door frame should provide decades of smooth and quiet operation. Follow these tips to keep it in top condition:
- Inspect the seal around the door and make repairs as needed to prevent air and water infiltration.
- Lubricate hinges periodically with silicone spray lube to maintain smooth operation.
- Check for any loose screws or nails around the perimeter and tighten as needed.
- Use a small drizzle of wood glue in joints if cracks appear and clamp until dry.
- Refinish surface periodically with fresh coats of paint or sealant according to manufacturer directions.
- Make sure exterior frames are protected with quality weatherstripping and caulk to prevent moisture damage.
- Avoid excessive humidity levels which can cause wood frames to swell and stick.
- Maintain integrity of weather barriers like house wrap behind exterior frames.
With proper installation and ongoing maintenance, a quality door frame should serve its purpose for many years before needing replacement. Pay attention over time and address any minor issues promptly to extend its lifespan.
Alternatives to Constructing a New Frame
Building a door frame from scratch takes specialty skills, patience, and lots of time. Several alternatives exist:
Pre-hung doors come with frames already assembled and ready to install. This is the fastest and easiest option, but offers the least customization.
Adjustable metal frames can be sized onsite to fit the rough opening. These are strong and durable but lack aesthetic appeal.
Custom order a pre-built frame sized exactly to your specifications from a local millwork shop or lumberyard. More costly but fully customized.
Reuse existing frame by stripping paint, checking for defects, and re-installing into the prepared opening if in good condition.
Install blocking to convert existing non-load-bearing wall into new doorway with simple framed opening.
The best option depends on your skill level, budget, and project specifications. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of new construction vs these alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Building Door Frames
- What size should I make the rough opening for a standard interior door frame? For a typical interior door that is 80″ high x 32″ wide, you’ll want a rough opening of 80-1/2″ x 32-1/2″. This provides 1/4″ to 1/2″ clearance all around the door frame for easy installation and smooth operation.
- What tools do I need to build and install a door frame? Essential tools include a circular saw or miter saw, drill/driver, hammer, tape measure, carpenter’s square, level, clamps, pry bar, shims, and safety equipment like gloves and eye protection.
- What is the best wood to use for an exterior door frame? For outside doors, a good exterior-grade wood like cedar or redwood will offer durability, but fiberglass and steel frames are even better for resisting moisture damage and wear. Pressure-treated lumber is another option.
- Should I use nails, screws, or both to assemble and install the frame? Use both. Glue with clamps and screws makes the strongest joints when assembling the frame. Switch to nails when installing into the rough opening for holding power.
- How do I ensure the frame ends up square, plumb and level? Check for square in multiple locations, use shims incrementally to fine tune alignment, and take your time securing the frame. Small adjustments add up to big improvements.
- What do I do if my door rubs or sticks after installing the frame? Make sure the frame itself is plumb and square first. If not, adjusting with shims can help. You may also need to plane or sand the door edge so it clears the jamb.
- How can I make an existing doorway wider without replacing the whole frame? Carefully remove the jamb and trim on one side and relocate it out to the new width. Shim and secure the relocated jamb, then replace trim.
- What maintenance does a door frame need over time? Inspect weathersealing annually, lubricate hardware, check for loose joinery, repair cracks, refinish surface regularly, and avoid moisture damage.
Building the perfect door frame takes careful planning, precision work, and patience. But the skills learned will serve you well for many future carpentry projects. With attention to detail and proper technique, you can create a door frame that functions smoothly for decades.