How to adjust the depth of a door frame? (pictures)

G

Gangerman

Guest
Hello.

I am about to buy a new front door, my old one is in a terrible state and it is just shy of 40mm deep.
The new door i want to buy is 44mm deep and i realise this is going to stick out from the frame.

I am not able to move the door stop as it is a solid wood frame (it's old) i live in a victorian terrace.

I was thinking to cut back the door stop part of the external frame, does anyone else have some advice?

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After measuring i'd be looking at cutting back the door stop 4mm but i'd also have to do the top of the frame as well.
 
You will have to use a router . It’s a messy job and best left to a professional but definitely do-able . You will not be able to router all the way into the corners or the sill so you will have to use the old fashioned method of hammer & chisel ..
 
I've thought about adding a strip around the whole frame, but that would also mean adding one around the window frame so it looks uniform all the way round and my joinery skills are amateur at best.

With regards to cutting the frame down, would an oscillating multi tool do the trick, and then chisel out the corners? I also thought about using my planer but i'm not sure that would achieve the best result, since a planer is supposed to use the full width of the blade to stay stable and achieve the best result, but it would be quicker if it works.
 
I’ve done a few with a router when changing to fire doors. I cut some strips of mdf to act as a temporary fence and screwed them to the frame. Could then use a guide bush and as long as you’re careful, you won’t over cut.

Another way is to use a small circular saw and finish off with a multi tool. A lot safer imo and became the preferred method.
 
You say- my joinery skills are amateur at best.
Make a mistake with the extra trim and you can take it off and redo the bit your unhappy with, but make a mistake cutting down the frame and you will need a new door frame. I know which one I would go with!
 
I’m not saying this would be my prefer method but I’m just throwing it out there.
You could rebate the door 4mm be easy to do with a router . You have 3 or options now, I would still go with the routing the frame method if it was my door
 
Without being rude, you mention your lack of joinery skills ......

So........

Who will be fitting the new front door ?

Not an easy job perhaps with only ‘amateur skills’

Also risky to ‘attack’ frame with a router. As you say, plane will be as good as useless in this situation. Multi tool will cut down frame, including corners but will require some sanding and tidying up after make the long cuts, tend to get stop/start marks when you move the blade along. Circular saw :eek:

Maybe one of those mini ones with a 2” (?) blade

Easiest option which will be achievable even with ‘amateur skills’ is to pad out frame on inside, including around window

Simply select timber, either straight forward batten type stuff or something with a profile, or a combination. Glue and nail on. Sand down complete frame and paint

Or if your getting someone in to fit front door ? Get them to sort out frame

Ps. What’s all that grey stuff smeared all over those nice red bricks ?
What a shame
 
DIYDave. said:
Without being rude, you mention your lack of joinery skills ......

So........

Who will be fitting the new front door ?

Not an easy job perhaps with only ‘amateur skills’

Also risky to ‘attack’ frame with a router. As you say, plane will be as good as useless in this situation. Multi tool will cut down frame, including corners but will require some sanding and tidying up after make the long cuts, tend to get stop/start marks when you move the blade along. Circular saw :eek:

Maybe one of those mini ones with a 2” (?) blade

Easiest option which will be achievable even with ‘amateur skills’ is to pad out frame on inside, including around window

Simply select timber, either straight forward batten type stuff or something with a profile, or a combination. Glue and nail on. Sand down complete frame and paint

Or if your getting someone in to fit front door ? Get them to sort out frame

Ps. What’s all that grey stuff smeared all over those nice red bricks ?
What a shame
Click to expand...

I will be fitting the door...but with the help of one of my colleagues who works on site with me. He is the handyman where i work and i do skilled labouring, so i'm using this as a guided learning experience to enhance my skill set. I'll be doing all of the work and he will mainly be drinking tea and shouting 'no not that bit'

I'm going to go with cutting down the frame i think using a multi tool and hammer and chisel, it will probably take a few hours so going to have to start early. I will probably use a bit of 2by1 nailed on as a guide.

The grey stuff is masonry filler. the brick work around that part of the frame had cracked (someone tried to break in a long time ago before i got the house) so i had to remove the old loose brick and fill it. but it will be painted eventually and i'll grind it down a bit more before i do that
 
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