Learning how to fit a door is easier than one might think, but learning how to fit a door frame is a little more complicated. Also known as a door jamb, door frames ensure your doors open and close smoothly and without issue. Unfortunately, most door frames are built with timber, making them susceptible to temperature and moisture, which can cause the wood to swell, preventing the door from opening and closing properly. Other issues arise with poorly installed hinges or doors that are simply not sized accordingly.
Many home DIYers will tell you to shave wood off the edge of the door, but we’re here to help by showing you how to fit a door perfectly to avoid this last-resort solution. With the right tools and materials, you’ll have a perfectly installed door frame and door in no time at all.
What Type Of Door Do I Need?
Doors do more than provide entry and exit. Some doors are designed to protect you from fire, while others are fitted for more unique applications.
Fire Doors: Passive fire protection devices or fire doors help prevent the spread of fire and are rated based on how long they inhibit flames and how long they remain cool.
Solid Core Doors: any wooden doors that are filled with wood or composite wood materials are considered Solid Core Doors.
Door Frame Installation – Equipment List
Tools For The Job
- Circular saw
- Combination square
- Drill
- Dust mask
- Ear muffs
- Nail gun
- Gloves
- Hammer
- Masonite packers
- Measuring tape
- Nails
- Pencil
- Safety glasses
- Spirit level
How To Fit A Door Frame
Cutting Timber
- Start by measuring the width of your door frame.
- Using these measurements, cut the top and sides of your door to match.
Securing Top Piece With Nails
- Use the nail gun to secure the top and sides of your door frame.
- Ensure your nail gun is held square to the timber
- Timber with grooves should face outwards
Levelling Packers
- Check left the hand side is level.
- Place packers between the top of the jamb and wall until level.
Nailing Left And Right Hand Side
- Once the left-hand side of the door jamb is level and the edges are flush with the wall, nail the left side into place.
- Ensure you nail through any installed packers.
- Avoid nails where you plan to install your hinges.
- Check top is level.
- Support with packers until level.
- Repeat with the right-hand side; level out with packers where needed.
Door Stop Installation
- Measure door thickness.
- Mark the position for the door stop on the top plate when the door is closed.
- Nail into place.
Door Installation – Equipment List
Tools For The Job
- Drill
- Ear muffs
- Hammer
- Pencil
- Safety glasses
- Tape measure
- Wrecking bar
Building Materials
- Hinges
- Screws
- Wedges
How To Fit A Door
Screwing Hinges
- Using a pencil, create a marking for your hinges on the edge of your door frame.
- Your door hinges should be positioned 200mm down from the top and 300mm up from the base.
- Your door hinge may require a recess, which can be created with a chisel.
- 304 Stainless steel hinges are some of the most popular options, including a loose pin or a fixed pin.
Loose Pin Hinge: for easier removal of doors, the pin can be removed instead of unscrewing the entire hinge.
Fixed Pin Hinge (Butt Hinge): the standard option for internal and exterior doors. The hinge must be unscrewed entirely before the door can be removed.
- Drill pilot holes by lining up your hinges with your pencil markings
- For now, you only need to screw in the centre of the hinge, which will allow you to reposition the door.
Positioning
- Position the door at right angles to the door jamb and frame.
If the door is not in the right position, use a wedge under the base until the door is flush with the door frame.
- Hinges must be square with the door jamb.
- The door must sit approx. 2mm below the door jamb.
- Once the door is positioned correctly, install the top screw on the door hinge.
Leveling
- Check the door with a spirit level and adjust as required using a door wedge.
- Once level, install the bottom screw on the door hinge.
- Once the door closes smoothly, tighten the screws, and you’re done.
Admiring
Marvel at your craftsmanship! Be sure to admire your new door installation and take some time to look for any imperfections or adjustments you’ll need to make.
One-Stop Shop For Doors And Doors Frames
Door frames ensure your doors open and close smoothly–no matter where you need to install a door or a door frame, there’s a one-stop shop for all your doors and frame needs, including fire-rated and non-fire-rated applications. Find the perfect door for your project and follow our instructions for a seamless fit!
