How to Fit Door Lining

If you want to add a new doorway to your property, then you will need to make sure that there is a perfectly aligned frame in place for the door to hang upon. Fitting a door lining is a relatively easy process, and the lining can be used to make sure that the doorway is perfectly shaped and sized so that the door can open and close freely.

What is Door Lining?

A door lining is a frame, usually made of wood, that is used to prevent doors from sticking and jamming, and also to conceal the brickwork or timber surrounding the door itself. The lining makes the door look more appealing, makes it easier to use, and protects the door from damage.

Door Lining

Tools Needed
You will need:

A spirit level
A screwdriver
Tape measure
Mallet or hammer
Saw
Some wood glue
Screws
A set square

Time Required

Fitting a door lining is a fairly advanced job. Make sure you have a full afternoon to complete the task, and do not rush it. If you make a mistake the entire lining may need removed and replaced.

Step By Step Instructions for Fitting Door Lining

If there is an existing, damaged lining in place, begin by removing that lining.

The new door lining kit should contain three main parts – the head, and two jambs. The head goes at the top of the door, and the jambs are the longer pieces that fit into the sides.

Line the jambs up with the studs on the wall, and mark the height of the door on the jambs.

Measure the thickness of the head, and deduct that from the desired height for the linings.

Hold the head up against the top of the door, and mark the correct length for that part of the lining.

Confirm that all of those measurements are correct, and then cut the linings down to size. Note that you can always make the lining shorter if necessary, but if you remove too much wood then the lining will be ruined.

Lay the lining kit pieces out in a large, clear work area.

• Take the head of the lining and locate the two notches for the legs. Tap the legs into place so that they are snug and secure.
• Screw the legs into place. Take care when doing this, because if the screws go in at an angle they may damage the legs.
• Brace the lining so that the corners make perfect 90 degree angles. The brace should make a right-angled triangle with a 30 cm head, a 40cm leg, and a 50cm batten. Hold the batten in place with some temporary screws

Insert the lining into the wall. If you are lucky, the lining will fit snugly. If it does not fit perfectly, use wooden spacers to make sure that the lining is completely straight. It is particularly important to ensure that the head is level. If the frame is correctly braced then once the head is level the jambs should be exactly vertical.

Secure the lining with screws, taking care to ensure that the lining does not become warped.

Test the lining with a spirit level and adjust it if necessary.

Tips and Advice

If the door lining becomes warped while you are working on it, simply loosen the screws, adjust the lining and try again. As long as the head and the jambs are the right length, you can adjust as many times as necessary.

Last But Not Least...

The lining covers the inside of the door opening. You may want to add a frame around the outside to complete the look, as well as a door stop on the wall to prevent the door knob or handle from damaging the wall.

• Information is accurate at time of publishing, however, may be subject to change.