Can you put a new door in an old frame?

22 December, 2022
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If you have a door, you’ll need a frame – you can’t have one without the other. Replacing a door without changing the frame is possible as long as it’s a slab door - one on its own.

New doors can give a house an entirely different feel. Replacing a door with a new one in an existing frame is far easier and cheaper than installing both door and frame.

When should you change a door?

A door may well get damaged or worn over time. Did the kids play cricket with the ball, or even worse the bat, denting the timber? Perhaps you were trying to move furniture resulting in the leg of a chair or table scraping your door. Does this sound familiar?

Everyday wear and tear may be taking its toll with stress cracks appearing on the timber around the hardware. Your eyes are probably drawn to minor scratches or dents that have become more noticeable (and multiplied) over time, or a door may have become swollen and no longer shuts.

Why replace a door without a frame?

It’s more ethical and eco-responsible to change just the door if the frame is still in sound condition. Plus, the main advantage is that it will cost you less. 

Anyone considering replacing a damaged slab door should try to find one of an identical size with similar placement and measurements for the hardware. The task will be far easier to complete because the door is like for like.

Use your old door as a template to help you easily calculate measurements, so jambs and lintels match up. Any door has to hang correctly to function, so it needs to be square and level to set into the frame. 

How easy is it to replace a door in an existing frame?

To replace a door without changing the frame, the cut-outs for the hinges in the new door should be in the same place as the previous one, hung the same way. It sounds simple in theory, but in practice it can be tricky and time-consuming to achieve. For the door to fit and function well, everything needs to pair up as per the last door.

Both the door and jambs need to be carefully measured and prepared. Drill holes concisely, ensure you pay attention to chiselling mortices for the hinges and boring holes for the lock set.

The Door Stop commitment

There’s nothing simpler than replacing one door for another without removing the frame. 

Have you ever thought about exploring ways to add value to your property? Replacing your doors is one of the easiest ways to breathe new life into your home to make it modern and fresh.

Experienced carpenters and joiners will ensure that any new door fits an existing frame correctly. We stock beautiful doors at affordable prices. Each one comes with a seven-year guarantee, so why not visit one of our display centres in Joondalup or Osborne Park today?


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