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Replace your door frame.
Rotten, twisted or storm-damaged frame — supplied, fitted and re-rendered or made good around it.
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Out-of-plumb walls
Old houses have walls 5–10mm out of plumb. The frame must be set plumb regardless — shimming compensates for the wall.
Lintel rot above frame
If the frame rotted, the lintel may have too. Probe with a screwdriver before re-fitting.
Architrave mismatch
New architrave profile rarely matches old. Either replace all architrave in the room, or scribe and join carefully.
Foam expansion
Over-foaming pushes the frame out of square as it cures. Use low-expansion frame foam, not loft foam.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Internal pine lining setPaint-grade
£30–£120
Internal oak lining setOak veneer or solid
£80–£250
Architrave set4 lengths per opening
£20–£120
External hardwood frameEngineered hardwood, weather-rated
£180–£500
Carpenter labour (internal)Half to one day
£180–£400
Carpenter labour (external)One day, two fitters
£350–£700
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Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Damaged, rotten or warped door frames need full replacement, not just patching. Rot, settling cracks, woodworm and kicked-in break-in damage are the four most common causes. Expect to pay £200–£1,200 fitted in the UK for internal frames; external frames are typically part of a full door replacement project.
What Does the Work Involve?
The carpenter removes the door slab and architrave, prises the existing frame out of the opening (often it's nailed through skirting and architrave into the rough opening), checks the lintel above is sound, fits the new frame plumb and square (packing with timber shims), mechanically fixes through the jambs into the rough opening, foam-fills the perimeter, re-fits the architrave (often new to match), and re-hangs the door slab. Plastering make-good is usually needed where the architrave was removed.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal pine lining set | 30 | 120 | Paint-grade |
| Internal oak lining set | 80 | 250 | Oak veneer or solid |
| Architrave set | 20 | 120 | 4 lengths per opening |
| External hardwood frame | 180 | 500 | Engineered hardwood, weather-rated |
| Carpenter labour (internal) | 180 | 400 | Half to one day |
| Carpenter labour (external) | 350 | 700 | One day, two fitters |
| Plastering make-good | 80 | 250 | Edges around new architrave |
How Long Does It Take?
Internal frame replacement: half to full day. External frame as part of door replacement: 1–2 days. Add 1 day for plastering and 1–2 days for decoration to complete.
DIY or Professional?
Professional. Frame plumb and square tolerance is ±2mm — get it wrong and the door won't shut or bind permanently. Solid-wall openings need the lintel checked for soundness; if it's failing the frame replacement turns into a structural job.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
Use a carpenter for internal, FENSA/Certass-registered installer for external. Ask whether the price includes architrave, foam, plaster make-good and decoration — these often add 30–50% to the headline frame-only quote.
UK Regulations
External door frame replacement is notifiable to Building Regs (Part L thermal performance) — covered by FENSA/Certass registration. Internal frame replacement is not notifiable. Listed buildings need consent for any external frame change.
Common Problems
- Out-of-plumb walls: Old houses have walls 5–10mm out of plumb. The frame must be set plumb regardless — shimming compensates for the wall.
- Lintel rot above frame: If the frame rotted, the lintel may have too. Probe with a screwdriver before re-fitting.
- Architrave mismatch: New architrave profile rarely matches old. Either replace all architrave in the room, or scribe and join carefully.
- Foam expansion: Over-foaming pushes the frame out of square as it cures. Use low-expansion frame foam, not loft foam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace the frame without removing the slab?
No — the frame and slab must be separated first. The slab is rehung after the new frame is set plumb.
Do I need to replace the architrave?
If the existing architrave is in good condition and the new frame is the same size, you can re-fit the old. Most of the time it's split or damaged during removal and needs replacing.
How much wider can the new frame opening be?
Up to 50mm wider by re-cutting the rough opening (if it's a stud wall — easy; solid wall — needs a lintel check). Beyond that, treat it as a new opening with full Building Regs.
Should the new frame be a different material to the old?
For internal, match the slab — oak slab gets oak frame. For external, hardwood (accoya is most rot-resistant), composite or aluminium are all better than pine.
Can I salvage an antique frame?
Often, yes — but the damaged section (usually the bottom 200mm where rot starts) needs scarfing in with new timber. A specialist joiner is required for this.
How long until I can re-decorate?
Frame foam fully cures in 24 hours. Plastering needs 7–10 days drying before painting. Allow 2 weeks before full re-decoration.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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