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Think of a door frame as the picture frame for a doorway: it supports, protects, and sets the style for everything that sits inside it. A quality door frame not only keeps your door hanging straight and operating smoothly, it also affects insulation, security, and curb appeal. Whether you’re repairing an entryway, swapping interior doors, or building a new home, picking the right frame can make the difference between a finish that lasts for decades and one that creaks after a season.
Door frames come in several types and materials, each with pros and cons. The usual suspects include wood, metal, composite, and PVC. Choosing among them depends on your budget, aesthetic goals, climate, and whether the door is exterior or interior. Below I break down the most common options so you can match features to needs.
Wood frames are classic and customizable. They’re easy to trim, paint, stain, and repair. Typical species include pine, oak, and poplar, and sizes for standard single doors are often set to fit 3 feet by 80 inches openings. Expect a warm look and good sound-dampening, but be prepared to maintain them in humid or wet climates to avoid rot or swelling.
Steel and aluminum frames are standard for commercial doors and many modern homes. They’re tough, low-maintenance, and fire-resistant. Steel frames are heavier and offer better security, while aluminum resists rust and is lighter for larger openings. For exterior use, a metal frame paired with a solid-core door offers high security and durability.
Composite frames blend wood fibers and resins to offer stability against moisture and temperature swings. PVC frames are waterproof and nearly maintenance-free—great for bathrooms, basements, or coastal homes. Both provide a middle ground: better resistance than pure wood, often at a lower cost than metal.
Before shopping, you’ll want accurate measurements. Most US interior doors use nominal sizes like 24", 28", 30", 32", and 36" widths with a common height of 80" (6 feet, 8 inches). Exterior doors often come at 36" by 80" or taller at 42" by 96". Measuring the rough opening—the framed opening in the wall—is the first step, and it determines whether you buy a prehung door or just the jambs and trim.
Measure width at the top, middle, and bottom of the opening; use the smallest measurement. Then measure height at the left, center, and right; again, register the smallest. Finally, measure the depth of the wall from interior drywall to exterior siding or sheathing. These numbers are essential when ordering frames online or from retailers like The Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Leave a gap of roughly 1/2" to 3/4" in width and 1/2" in height for shims and adjustments when installing a prehung frame. For exterior doors, allow slightly more on the threshold side if you’ll add weatherstripping or a sill pan. Remember, it’s easier to shave down a frame than to fill a gap that’s too large.
There’s a wide retail landscape for door frames across the United States. Big-box stores, specialty outlets, online marketplaces, and local lumberyards all carry frames and prehung doors. Below are common options, with a quick guide to what they do best and why you might choose them.
The Home Depot and Lowe’s are go-to choices for homeowners who want quick access, reasonable prices, and standard sizes. You’ll find a broad selection of prehung doors and jamb kits, plus helpful in-store pickup or delivery options. These retailers are solid for typical interior and exterior frames and offer installation services if you’d rather hire pros through their networks.
Menards (in the Midwest) and Ace Hardware (local independents nationwide) offer competitive pricing and personal customer service. Ace stores can be especially helpful if you want advice from experienced staff or need custom trim cuts. Menards often has a wide selection of builders’ grade frames at attractive prices for larger projects.
If you want specialty sizes, decorative jambs, or fast comparison shopping, online retailers shine. Wayfair and Build.com offer many finish options and designer trims, while Amazon provides fast delivery and wide price ranges. For technical or specialty hardware—like blast-resistant frames or ADA-compliant frames—online suppliers and manufacturers are often the most convenient source.
Plumbing and mechanical wholesalers like Ferguson and HD Supply may stock commercial-grade metal frames and heavy-duty jambs. These outlets are ideal for contractors or homeowners tackling large remodels who need bulk purchasing or higher-grade materials not commonly found in consumer stores.
Door frame cost varies widely: a basic hollow-core interior prehung door and frame can start around $80–$150, while solid-wood or custom frames often run several hundred dollars. Exterior steel frames paired with solid doors generally cost $300–$700 depending on finishes and hardware. Always compare apples to apples—same material, size, and included trim—when evaluating prices between retailers.
Look for deals during major sale events like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday. Big-box stores often clear seasonal inventory in the fall to make way for holiday items, and local lumberyards rotate stock and discount older frames. Don’t forget coupon codes and in-store rebates that can shave off substantial amounts.
A prehung door comes mounted on a frame with hinges pre-installed—perfect if you want a quick swap and guaranteed alignment. Separate frames or jamb kits are better if you’re keeping the existing door slab or if you have unusual opening dimensions. Prehung units usually reduce installation time but can be heavier and harder to maneuver through tight spaces.
If you’re handy and the opening is plumb and square, installing an interior prehung door can be a satisfying DIY weekend project. However, exterior door frames require precise leveling, flashing, and weatherproofing to prevent leaks and drafts—areas where mistakes can be costly. If you’re unsure, consider hiring a pro for exterior doors or custom-fit interiors.
Expect to use a level, shims, a drill, long screws, a circular saw (if trimming jambs), and caulk for exterior frames. For exterior installations add flashing tape and a sill pan. If installing a mortised hinge, a router or chisel will help. If you’re buying from The Home Depot or Lowe’s, you can often rent specialty tools there as well.
An interior prehung door typically takes 2–4 hours for an experienced DIYer; an exterior door with flashing and threshold work often requires 4–8 hours or more. Custom frames or uneven openings increase complexity and time. If the opening needs reframing, that’s a different job entirely and can take a full day or two depending on wall construction.
Once the frame is installed, trim and paint—or stain—will define the final look. You can choose simple casing for a minimalist vibe or elaborate trim for historic charm. Hardware matters too: a quality lockset and strike plate improve security and longevity. For a cohesive aesthetic, match the frame finish to baseboards and window casings.
If you want the grain of wood to show, stain and a clear topcoat give a warm, natural look. Paint gives the clean, solid color finish that’s easy to change later. Use an oil-based primer on new wood frames for better adhesion, and consider a semi-gloss or gloss paint for high-traffic areas for easier cleaning.
Check warranties when shopping—many manufacturers offer limited lifetime warranties on metal frames and 1–10 year warranties on wood frames against defects. Maintenance is straightforward: keep wood sealed in humid climates, lubricate hinges annually, and check weatherstripping on exterior frames for gaps. Proper installation is also key to avoiding warping and premature wear.
Energy-efficient frames and properly installed weatherstripping can reduce drafts and save on heating bills. Look for frames that accommodate energy-saving doors with insulating cores and that are compatible with thermal breaks. Sustainable materials like FSC-certified wood or recycled metal frames are good choices if you’re aiming for a greener build.
Big national chains are convenient and consistent; they’re great for standard sizes and fast replacement parts. Local lumberyards and millwork shops excel at custom sizing, specialty trim, and one-on-one service. If you want a unique profile or reclaimed wood, a local supplier or specialty online store might be your best bet. Think about service, delivery, return flexibility, and whether installation help is available when choosing where to buy.
Double-check your measurements, decide whether you want prehung or jamb-only, and think through finishing and hardware as part of the purchase. Bring photos of your current casing to the store or upload them if you’re buying online—visual references help associates match styles. When in doubt, spend a little more on a better frame; it’s a foundational piece that pays back in function and curb appeal.
Door frames are a small detail with big impact. From material choices to measuring correctly and selecting the right retailer—be it The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Wayfair, or a local millwork shop—each decision affects durability, appearance, and value. Equip yourself with accurate measurements, a clear idea of material and finish, and a shopping plan. Whether you’re tackling a DIY weekend or hiring pros, the right frame ensures your door looks great, operates smoothly, and stands up to years of use.
| Door Frames | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Eclisse Ekc4280 Pocket Door System Steel Frame Kit For 42 X 80 Doors - Silver | $ 374,07 |
