How to Frame Custom Front Doors

How to build frames for custom front doors.

The front door is one of the most important parts in any home since it draws the first impression on visitors and is your property’s first line of defense against intruders. Aesthetics may seem like a smaller matter, but it can increase the value of your home. As such, many choose to build custom front doors since this allows you to find high-quality materials and customize it to fit your door jamb perfectly.

If you plan on building a custom door, one of the most important steps is building the framing before installing the door. The frame provides foundational support for your door, but many tend to overlook this component. Get to know more about framing custom front doors to ensure that yours will stand strong and durable.

Replacing a Front Door

If you plan to replace your front door with custom front doors, you can sometimes just switch your current door with the new one. However, in some cases, you would also need to replace the door frame, especially if it has already begun to deteriorate. It is especially true for wood doors since they can be susceptible to rot after extensive wear and tear.

Framing Your Front Door

When building a custom door — whether it be for the first time or as a replacement — you first need to decide if you want to buy or build your frame.

Buy a Frame

It would be ideal to buy one if you do not have the skills, tools, or time to do it yourself. You can find pre-hung front doors that already come with a frame. Check if you need a right or left-hand door and measure your door jamb properly to ensure you get the proper height and width.

Build a Frame

Building a frame may be more suitable for custom front doors since you can decide what materials to use and design it accordingly to match your preferences. It can be a great home improvement project to help you refresh your home. Here are the general steps needed for the process:

Choose Your Lumber

Start by determining what lumber you want to use. When framing interior doors, some of the most popular wood types include pine, fir, and birch, which all add a beautiful aesthetic to your home. You need not worry too much about durability in this case since you are working with your place’s interior.

Conversely, when framing exterior doors, strength should be a critical consideration since it will be exposed to harsh elements outdoors.

Determine Your Door Size

Next, measure the height and width of your door. For your front door, you want to make sure people can easily walk in and out since this will serve as the main entry point for your home

Determine Your Door Opening Size

Once you know how big you want your door to be, you can decide on the size of your door opening. The general rule of thumb is that the opening should be around 2 inches wider than the door to give leeway for your jamb. If you need to put additional studs to hold the frame, make sure to also consider this.

Cut Studs and Sill Plate

The studs refer to the boards that run along the side of your frame and are used to support the wall. The sill plate is then placed at the bottom of your interior and exterior door frame to prevent water from entering your home.

Cut the Door Header

Finally, the last preparation step is to cut out your door header, which will be placed at the top of your door frame.

Get Professionals to Frame and Install Your Custom Door Today

Your entry door must have a good balance between visual appeal and functionality, so framing it properly is essential to ensure that it fits your home properly. Whatever wood you need, Peninsular Lumber is your one stop shop for lumber in Tampa Bay. We provide a wide selection of quality construction materials, including pre-hung custom front doors for your convenience.

Blog