Can I install a new doorframe within an existing doorframe?

[toomuchworknotenoughtime]

I have an exceptionally large doorframe (2280 x 1040mm) which is hideously out of square (width difference of c 15mm between widest and narrowest points).

I'd like to order a new custom made frame/door combo but the question is whether I can fit this into the existing door frame without compromising strength and security. This is the external front door.

I'd need to place shims in the gaps to straighten everything up as if I was installing in a brick rough opening and then tidy up with some moulding of some description. If you think this is feasible, what sort of screws should I use to attach the new frame to the old frame with and what sort of spacing.

Many thanks.

 

[gregers]

anything is possible but aesthetically it may be VERY WRONG.
would you have to install cover fillets/architraves etc to make it work??
as for packing out your existing frame then aslong as the packing is secure then it should be fine.

on my mums house i had to change the front door (years ago)and was luckey enough to find a door the correct size in B&Q for £100.
every where else said it had to be specially made,as the size was 7' x 3'.

 

[toomuchworknotenoughtime]

anything is possible but aesthetically it may be VERY WRONG.

Hmm. Hadn't thought of that. I'll sketch myself a scale diagram to see how it looks.

But thanks for the advice on the strength issue. It was certainly my view that it would probably be OK.

 

[toomuchworknotenoughtime]

With such a large door, a wider than normal framed area won't look too bad.

 

[TheVictorian]

If you are ordering a custom frame/door then why not just have it made to fit the opening? You could have a a really thick frame with a normal door if that is your desire?

 

[Harbourwoodwork]

This is just against nature and should not be done,also the original frame sounds like its been in for some time so could have rot, wood worm old fixings that have dried out and rusted through and no damp course ,I can hear the chickens coming home.or in the words of the cockeny builder "thats pony mate"

 

[toomuchworknotenoughtime]

Perhaps a picture will help.

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• toomuchworknotenoughtime
• 13 Sep 2012
• 1

As said, I'd find it a lot easier to replace frame and door together rather than trying to get a door to fit such an uneven frame and would appreciate any feedback anyone can offer.

Thanks

 

[Harbourwoodwork]

thinking outloud penny farthing door ,french doors,still thinking, but I see what you mean

 

[Harbourwoodwork]

have thought a bit more, the problem here is, it seems to be a door frame of two halves top and bottom my instinct would be to take out the bottom half of tho door frame. the top half which is a side window and frame combined depending on condition, looks like it should be left in and repaired if needed the rest is talking to your recommended local joinery shop for an european oak exterior door frame and door, I would go for quite heavy section to be in keeping with the rest of the structure and be strong enough to support a heavy door.the frame may have to have cheek pieces to make up for the missing frame stiles that's as much as I can say without being there.

 

[toomuchworknotenoughtime]

It's not very clear from the picture (I had to pop outside to have a close look) but the right hand door jamb and left side of the left hand window frame is one continuous frame. If you look to the far right you can just make out the window frame. The bit I think you see as the window frame is the window itself, inset a bit. Structurally, save for the sill, all timber is sound.

I think I'm going to go for the frame within the frame, and paint up the same leaving the door alone oiled natural wood. I'm also planning to remove the top window: wouldn't quite look right.

Bit rough and ready, and I'd probably paint the new frame to match the old frame, but this is what I'm after:

Untitled

• toomuchworknotenoughtime
• 14 Sep 2012
• 1