How to replace a rotten door frame

Damp or exposure to the elements can cause wood all sorts of problems. A rotten door frame is just one of the problems that you might come across. Read our guide on how to replace one here.

Level of difficulty

Level 3 – Advanced

What you need

• Screwdriver
• Chisel
• DPC strip
• Hammer
• Nails
• Bituminous emulsion
• Undercoat
• Topcoat
• Steel screws
• Drill
• Mastic sealant

The steps to follow

1. Remove the door by unscrewing its hinges and locks.
2. Expose the frame by chopping back the plaster around the frame.
3. Remove any nails on the door frame.
4. Saw off the top centre portion of the head and the sides of the frame (jambs). Make sure you saw them at a 45 degree angle so the ends don't bind when you lever the frame out.
5. Remove the upper corners of the frame and break away any frame-head horns from the masonry.
6. With a crowbar, lever the frame out.
7. If you plan on using a pre-built frame, all you have to do is replace the old frame with the new one. However, before you fit it, protect the frame from rising damp by nailing a DPC strip to its underside. Coat the nails that you plan to use onto the DPC strip with bituminous emulsion to act as a water sealant.
8. Paint the whole frame with a primer, then an undercoat, followed by a top coat.
9. Shim it with wood or metal to create a perfect fit and level the frame.
10. Drill three holes in each jamb; one at the top, bottom, and in the middle.
11. Remove the frame and mark three holes on the exact same location as the frame but on the brickwork.
12. Then, drill the holes.
13. Put the frame back and secure with steel screws.
14. Fill any gaps with mortar and seal any gaps around the outer edge of the frame with mastic sealant.
15. Locate the hinges on the door and use a wood chisel to mark their location on the door frame.