Replacing a door frame can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and preparation it soon becomes achievable. Whether you’re repairing a door frame or fitting a different-sized door, our guide on door frame replacement will tell you everything you need to know.
From materials needed to difficulty, estimated cost and step-by-step instructions, we explain all below.
How to replace a door frame
Tools Needed:
- Screwdriver or power drill
- Utility knife
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Flat edge pry bar
- Hand saw
- Spirit level
- Nails
- Pencil
- Wooden shims
Duration: 5 – 6 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Cost: Approximately £80 – £800 (depending on material used)
Step 1. Remove the door
First you’ll need to remove the door. To do so, open the door and unscrew the hinges using a screwdriver or a power drill. Remember that the door will be heavy, so you’ll need someone to help you lift it off.
Once the door is removed, run a utility knife between the edges of the trim and the wall or door jambs to make the next step easier.
Step 2. Loosen the trim
Use a hammer and chisel to gently loosen the trim away from the wall. Once you’ve done this around the entire door frame, pry away the trim using a flat edge pry bar.
Step 3. Remove the shims
Shims are small pieces of wood that are placed between the rough opening of the door and the jambs. Remove them by using a hammer and chisel, like you did with the trim.
Step 4. Remove the door frame
Remove the door frame using a hand saw to make a horizontal cut through the middle of the vertical side jambs and the horizontal one at the top. Then use a pry bar to remove the three jambs.
Step 5. Assemble your new door frame
Drill two holes on each side of the horizontal jamb. Secure the vertical jambs to the horizontal one using the drill. Make sure that each corner is at a 90 degree angle.
Step 6. Position the frame in the doorway
Use a pencil to mark where you will hammer in the nails, starting with the jamb that will have hinges.
Step 7. Secure the frame
Secure the door frame by hammering the nails into place. Make sure that the jambs remain plumb as you do this, and use shims if necessary to get them flush with the wall.
Step 8. Hang the door in the frame
Now it’s time to hang the door frame (unless you have a prehung door). Use a power drill to screw the hinges into the frame.
Install the trim using a hammer and nails. If your old trim is in good condition, you may decide to reuse it. If not, use new trim to finish your door.
Door frame replacement cost
The cost of replacing a door frame has a number of variables, including type of door frame (for example, interior or exterior) and type of material used. However, as a rough guide you can expect to pay anywhere between £40 and £800.
Here’s a breakdown of the different price ranges, depending on type of door:
The cost of the door frame will also vary depending on the material used. Check out the table below for approximate costs:
If you’re going to replace the door frame yourself, you’ll need to factor in any new tools or equipment you might need. While most of the tools required are fairly standard and may already be part of your tool kit, it’s important to check this when planning to replace your door. You can check which tools you’ll need by scrolling further up in this article.
Alternatively, if you hire someone to replace the door frame for you this will create an additional labour cost.
Now that you’ve got all the information you need to replace a door frame, it’s time to get it done! Need some help with installation? Find a Tasker near you today.
