If you’re building a new extension, or converting an existing room into two smaller rooms, then it’s likely that you’ll need to build a door frame in an existing wall. This job is within the grasp of anyone with even moderate DIY skills; it just takes patience and precision. Here’s how to do it:
Things you will need
Before you begin, you will need the following tools:
- Saw
- Tape measure
- Chisel or hand saw (to cut out existing wall)
- Hammer (or nail gun if you do not want to use nails)
- Cordless drill with screwdriver bit and masonry bit for drilling holes in concrete walls. If this is a brick house then you’ll need an additional tool called a brick bit that will fit on the end of your cordless drill so that it can bore through bricks. You’ll also need wood plugs to fill these holes after they are drilled out.
- Sander (optional)
Preparing the opening
Before you start building your new frame, it’s important to make sure that the wall is in a good condition. If you will be reusing existing walls, remove any plasterboard that might be on them and check inside for any structural problems (cracks or damp). For example, if your new door will be opening outwards and directly onto steps leading down into your garden, you’ll need to build up the bottom of the opening so as not to create an unsafe situation where people could fall through it. You should also check inside for any electrical cables or plumbing pipes. The same goes for gas pipes and water pipes – if they’re there then you’ll need to ensure they are not damaged or cut off by creating an overlap when installing new fittings around them. If in doubt about whether something is safe then consult a qualified professional who may require further testing before giving their verdict.
Taking measurements and cutting the timber
- Measure the height and width of the opening, as well as your chosen timber size.
- Cut the timber to size, making sure it is long enough to fit into your wall with some extra at each end for finishing off with trim boards or battens.
- If necessary, cut an angle on each end of the timber so that it fits into the frame correctly – usually 45 degrees is used for doors but you may need something different depending on what type of door you are fitting (for example if you have a double-glazed door then use 60 degrees). This can be done by using a miter saw or handsaw if required but it’s best not try this yourself unless absolutely necessary because even small mistakes can lead to problems later down the line when fixing everything back together again – so always let an expert handle things like this.
Building the door frame
A properly-built frame is essential to the longevity and function of a door, but it’s also important that you take into account the weight of your door.
For example, if you are building a traditional interior door frame, then it should be strong enough to support both the weight of your door, as well as any furniture or other items placed against it.
However, if you’re building an exterior wall with glass windows in it (such as an extension), then only one side will need to be able to withstand wind pressure – so whichever way your house faces when viewed from outside will determine which side has this requirement.
Cutting and fitting architraves
The architraves are the decorative mouldings that sit on top of the door frame. They have three main purposes: they hide gaps between wall and floor, they cover up any unevenness in your walls, and they make your house look more beautiful.
You will need to cut architraves to fit a door frame before you can install them. The easiest way is to take some measurements from the top of your existing walls and doors before you start cutting their architraves. Make sure all measurements are taken from flat surfaces (like door frames). If you’re building a frame in an existing wall where there’s no flat surface then it might be worth checking with someone who has experience with this kind of thing before starting work.
Fitting skirting boards
When you’re building a door frame in an existing wall, it’s important to consider skirting boards. These are the wooden or plastic strips that run along the bottom of a wall and hide any gaps between the floor and the wall. Skirting boards can also be used to hide cables, wiring or pipework as well as providing decoration around doors and windows.
Most skirting boards are made from wood but they can also be made from metal or other materials like PVC-U (a type of plastic). The best kind for DIY projects is MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard), which is easy to work with and doesn’t need painting because it’s already coloured white! If you want something more elaborate then consider using decorative mouldings instead of plain ones – these will make your door stand out more than if there was nothing there at all.
Adding a doorway isn’t quite as simple as just cutting an opening in your wall. It involves some careful preparation and joinery to make sure that you end up with a solid door frame, strong enough to keep out drafts, damp, noise and anything else on the other side of the door.
A door frame is a strong structure that supports and secures the door in place. It must be strong enough to withstand any pressure from the wind, and any other external influences on the house such as extreme temperatures or humidity levels.
A door itself is a relatively simple piece of joinery, but its strength relies heavily on how well it is supported by its frame. This can often mean adding additional pieces of woodwork around the opening to make sure that everything fits together tightly and securely. The woodwork will also help keep out draughts and damp, as well as providing support for furniture or objects that may be placed against it – whether they’re heavy or light.
Conclusion
If you’re happy with the results of these steps, you can continue with the rest of your project. If you need to learn more skills, check out our other articles on how to do just about anything.
