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Can You Replace the Door Frame Without Replacing the Door?

Do you have old, worn, or broken doors that need replacement? If so, you may be wondering if you can replace the door frame without removing the door.  The short answer to this question might be a little complicated, but let’s find out what it is.

Replace door frame without replacing door

It is possible to replace the door frame without replacing the door. As the door frame constitutes the skeletal structure of the door, it is possible to replace only the frame without having to replace the entire door. Severe damage or missing pieces may necessitate the replacement of the door.

If you need to replace the door frame without replacing the door, you will need a new frame. Almost all home improvement stores and online retailers sell these frames. The frame will only need to be attached to the door with hinges and screws once you have them. 

Furthermore, the door handle, hinges, and latch may need to be replaced.

It is important to keep in mind that replacing the door frame without replacing the door may not be the best option for your home.  By replacing only the frame, you will lose some of the existing door’s features and functionality. 

You will also have to replace both the frame and door if you decide to replace the door later on.

Exterior door frame: 

You don’t have to replace the door frame when replacing the exterior door. Homeowners often make this repair because it’s affordable and simple. The old frame needs to be removed and the new one installed. 

The only caveat is that you’ll need to match up the size, shape, and style of your existing door frame to make it look uniform.

Interior door frame: 

Changing the interior door frame does not require replacing the door. As the frame of the interior door is the foundation of the door, you can simply replace the frame without replacing any other parts. 

The door, however, may need to be replaced if it’s severely damaged or missing pieces.

How much does it cost to replace a door frame?

A standard wooden door frame can cost between $400 and $700 to replace. It depends on the type of frame you need and the size of the door and how much it will cost to replace the door frame. 

A standard exterior door frame may cost between $200 and $600 to replace, while an interior door frame may cost around $500 to replace.

You can expect to pay between $100 and $400 for your door, depending on the size and the type of door you have. 

Additionally, you may have to replace the hinges, knobs, and handle if you want to update your door without replacing the frame, which will cost more. Alternatively, labor costs range between $60 and $90 an hour.

When should a door frame be replaced without replacing a door?

It may be necessary to replace the door frame if the frame is severely damaged or missing pieces

Furthermore, if you want to update the look of your room without replacing the door, replacing the frame is a better cost-effective option when replacing a door that’s been in your home for a while.

Furthermore, if you’re replacing the door, you may need to replace the door frame as the frame is no longer structurally sound and can’t support the door’s weight. It may also be necessary to replace the door frame if the door is missing or damaged in a way that makes it difficult to open and close.

In the case of wood door frames, they should be replaced every 10-15 years. It is recommended that you replace a metal door frame every 5-7 years if it is made of metal. 

Replace the door frame every 5-7 years if it is made of metal, and every 10-15 years if it is made of wood.

7 factors to look into while replacing a door frame without a door

When replacing a door frame, it is important to consider the following factors: the age of the house, the condition of the original frame, and any necessary repairs or updates. When replacing a door frame without a door, you need to consider the following factors:

Age of the House: 

You may want to replace the door frame without replacing the door if your house is older. 

Frames made from older wood are usually not structurally sound and cannot support the weight of a new door, so they should be replaced every 10-15 years. 

A metal door frame, on the other hand, will last anywhere from 5-7 years before it needs to be replaced.

Condition of Original Frame:

When the frame of your original door is in poor condition (missing parts, severely damaged), you may need to replace both the frame and the door at the same time.

Other Repairs and Upgrades Needed:

The door frame may also need to be replaced if you need to make any repairs or updates to other parts of the house while you are remodeling it.

Cost: Depending on the original frame condition, the repairs/updates needed on other parts of the home, and your location, the cost of replacing a door frame without replacing the door will vary. 

Getting an accurate estimate for replacing a door frame without a door requires speaking with an experienced contractor.

Materials:

You will need to purchase the necessary materials separately if you are replacing the door frame without replacing the door. New frame lumber, door hinges, and door hardware can all be included in this.

Installation:

A contractor typically installs a replacement door frame without replacing the door. However, this would be an advanced project that requires some knowledge and experience in framing construction (or hiring a professional).

Finding proper size:

It is important to get the right size if you are replacing the door frame without replacing the door. For the door to fit correctly, the frame must be identical or slightly larger than the original frame. 

As well as the door must be the right size for the frame, and the frame must be the right size for the door.

How do you replace a door frame without a door?

You will need to hire a contractor and purchase the necessary materials to replace a door frame without replacing the door. Installation typically requires some DIY skills, but can also be performed by a professional frame builder. 

Here are the instructions for replacing a door frame without a door.

Remove the old door frame:

Remove the old door frame first. It can be done with a saw and drill, or with screws and brackets. When replacing the frame, be sure to replace the hinges and door hardware as well.

Do the measurement:

As soon as the old door frame has been removed, you will need to measure the dimensions of the new frame. For the door to fit correctly, the dimensions should be the same or slightly larger than the original frame.

Get the right size:

Also, the door needs to be the correct size for your frame – if it isn’t, it won’t fit properly and may not close properly. Choose the right size door by looking online or contacting a local home improvement store.

Buy the materials:

You have now reached the point where you are ready to purchase the materials you need. The most common types of materials used in replacing a door frame are screws, lumber, and hinges.

Marking out the area:

Mark out the location of your door on the wall. You should draw a rectangle or square with measurements that correspond to the opening’s size. 

Make sure that you leave enough space at both ends so that you can fit the jamb components and lock mechanism inside, as well as hang any hardware or trim.

Ensure the levels:

With Construction Markers, mark off levels along one side of your rectangle (this will be used later when installing headers). 

For this step, leveling tools may also be useful; however, if leveling is not possible due to existing obstacles such as baseboards or crown molding, leave them as is.

Install the frame and door:

Fasten horizontal framing members known as header boards with 3″ deck screws (or similar fasteners). Ensure that the top rail is flush with the exterior wall surface.  

Through header boards should not be screwed into the foundation or wall. On all sides except end walls, headers should extend a 1″ overhang to allow access for nailing furring strips.

Final Thoughts

Briefly, it is possible to replace the door frame without replacing the door. The door frame often wears out first, so replacing it updates your home’s look without altering its structural integrity. The cost of replacing the door frame without replacing the door will be approximately $500.