Whether you’re renovating an old home or building a new one, learning how to properly install door frames is essential for ensuring a perfect fit for your timber wood doors. A poorly fitted door frame can lead to draughts, misaligned doors, or even security issues.
At WH Carden, we’ve been delivering quality timber craftsmanship across the United Kingdom for decades. From bespoke custom interior doors to high-performance exterior door frames, we understand that a professional-grade installation starts with precision.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to fit a door frame like a pro—including measurements, materials, tools, and pro tips for a flawless finish.
Why the Right Door Frame Matters
Before diving into the installation, it’s important to understand why quality door frames are critical to the overall function of your doors.
A solid door frame ensures:
- Smooth operation of the door
- Proper alignment for locking mechanisms
- Insulation from draughts and moisture
- Aesthetically pleasing finish
Especially when working with bespoke timber wood doors, a well-installed frame is crucial to maintaining the door’s structural integrity and appearance.
To pair your new frame with stunning, British-made doors, explore our collection of timber wood doors crafted from premium hardwoods and engineered to last.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these essential tools:
- Spirit level
- Measuring tape
- Hammer
- Chisels
- Screws and wall plugs
- Wood shims/spacers
- Screwdriver or drill
- Saw (for trimming if needed)
- Caulk or wood filler
- Safety glasses
If you’re planning to upgrade your ironmongery too, explore our elegant range of door knobs & door furniture to complete the look.
Step 1: Measure Your Door Opening
First, accurately measure the height and width of the door opening (also known as the rough opening). Ensure you have an additional 10mm clearance on each side for adjustments and packing.
Tip: Check the opening at the top, middle, and bottom to identify any unevenness in the frame. Most walls aren’t perfectly square—accounting for this early avoids frustration later.
Step 2: Assemble the Door Frame
Many timber door frames are supplied in kit form with pre-cut headers and jambs. Lay out the pieces and assemble the frame using screws or dowels, ensuring the corners are square using a framing square or level.
For a custom-fit frame:
If you’re installing bespoke custom exterior doors or thicker high-performance doors, adjust your frame dimensions to match the door leaf and any necessary insulation or security enhancements.
Step 3: Position the Frame in the Opening
Lift the assembled frame into the wall opening. Use wood shims to hold it in place while you check:
- Vertical alignment (plumb) with a spirit level
- Top horizontal alignment (level)
- Equal spacing between the frame and the wall
This step is critical for smooth door movement and ensuring your hinges and door knobs line up perfectly later.
Step 4: Fix the Frame to the Wall
Once the frame is perfectly level and plumb, use a drill to secure it with screws through the side jambs into the wall structure. Place fixings behind where hinges and latch plates will be mounted to hide them later.
Be sure to pack the frame tightly behind the screws using wood shims—this prevents frame movement and increases durability.
For new builds or high-performance insulation needs, check out our high-performance windows and doors for added efficiency.
Step 5: Seal the Gaps and Fill
With the frame now fixed in place, fill any visible gaps between the wall and frame with caulk, expanding foam, or wood filler. This enhances insulation and eliminates draughts.
Sand any rough edges and prime or paint/stain the timber to match your chosen finish.
Interested in using your leftover timber for outdoor spaces? Browse our premium-quality decking timber—perfect for matching interiors with exterior features.
Step 6: Fit Hinges and Hang the Door
Mark your hinge locations on the door and frame, typically 150mm from the top and bottom, and an optional third hinge in the centre for heavier doors.
Chisel out the recesses (mortises), attach the hinges, and test-hang the door. Adjust by planing or trimming the door edges as needed for a perfect swing.
Installing a beautifully crafted door? Make sure your choice of door knobs and handles complements the style. Explore our full door furniture range for finishing touches.
Step 7: Install Latch, Lock, and Door Furniture
Mark and drill holes for the latch and lock mechanisms, making sure they align with the strike plate in the frame. Install your door knobs or handles as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you’ve chosen a high-performance or security door, align with any multi-point locking systems or special handles that come with the unit.
Step 8: Test and Finish
Open and close the door several times to ensure it:
- Swings smoothly
- Latches securely
- Doesn’t rub or drag on the floor
Make final paint or stain touch-ups, install draught seals if needed, and enjoy your professionally installed door.
Want to explore door installation tips, care guides, and style inspiration? Check out our WH Carden blog—your go-to resource for joinery expertise across the UK.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Always pre-drill screw holes to prevent timber splitting
- Use a helper—door frames and timber doors can be heavy and awkward alone
- If working with solid wood, allow time for the timber to acclimate to the environment
- Ensure your flooring is installed (or height accounted for) before hanging the door
- Choose your finish (paint, oil, or stain) based on interior humidity and door usage
Why Choose WH Carden Timber Doors and Frames?
At WH Carden, we offer handcrafted timber wood doors, bespoke frames, and elegant door furniture, all made right here in the UK. Our products are designed for homeowners, architects, and builders who value craftsmanship, longevity, and classic design.
We provide:
- Made-to-measure door solutions
- High-end custom interior doors
- Durable custom exterior doors for UK weather
- Matching timber frames with precise tolerances
- Full range of door knobs and furniture
- Expert advice and support
No matter the size of your project—whether it’s a single internal door or a whole-home renovation—we can help you build it beautifully.
Final Thoughts: Fitting a Door Frame Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
With the right tools, a bit of patience, and quality materials, fitting a door frame can be a satisfying DIY project. From precise measurements to stylish finishing touches like door knobs, attention to detail is everything.
But if you’d rather leave it to the professionals or source premium joinery products for your next build, WH Carden is here to help.
Browse our selection of custom doors and frames
Explore elegant timber solutions
Find inspiration and tips on our blog