How Easy is it to Replace a Door Frame?

This is a medium to difficult job. You do not need past experience, but it is best left to a professional if you lack confidence in your skills, don’t have a lot of time, or are unable to get someone to lend a hand. You will also need to make sure you have all the tools for the job if you are a competent DIYer and plan to tackle this yourself.

When Should You Replace a Door Frame?

If a door frame is rotten or damaged then it’s a good idea to replace it. However, it must be done carefully to ensure the frame is straight and plum, and that the door hangs securely in the frame. The decorative architrave will hide any minor mistakes or cosmetic damage to the plaster around the wall, but it is important to work slowly and carefully to ensure the door is perfectly aligned and the frame is secure and weather proof. If you are completely renovating a room, you can replace the door frame first, then plaster and paint, to ensure a nice, smooth, clean, and professional finish.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Door Frame?

Replacing an internal door frame will cost around £60, if you decide to get a professional in to fit it for you. This is based on an assumption that the job would take around 2-3 hours to complete. This is a rough guide, and many things could impact the exact cost. The material the frame is made from, the size or shape of your door opening could all have an impact. It may cost as much as £100. Installing an exterior door frame is usually a slightly longer job. This is understandable when you consider how much more secure and energy-efficient it needs to be.

Can You Replace Just a Door Frame?

It is definitely possible to replace an old door frame without replacing the entire door leaf as well. You may need to be a little bit more careful in lining items like the strike plate up, as you won't be able to adjust this on the door itself. Still, it is possible and shouldn't necessarily be any harder than installing a new frame and door leaf at the same time. This advice applies more to interior door frames though. When it comes to external doors, you can easily buy a prehung door which will usually be more secure and more thermally efficient than the one you've installed separately.