frame for composite front door question

charlie96pg

Hi Peeps
I have a composite front door set in a wooden frame. The door is fine but the frame is on its last legs - various bits have already been spliced and just found another bit that is rotten.

Do I have to replace the frame with another wooden one (it has glass panels either side and above the door, so not just a door 'surround') or is there another material that could be used without having to change the door?

Many thanks

phil24_7

Why is it still rotting?

charlie96pg

Phil, I don't know. It's original 1930s frame with replacement door. When I bought the place it had been neglected for a long while. Last year I had the doorframe repainted/filled where necessary, but have just noticed this....

phil24_7

If the frame is rotting then it would be best to replace it and refit the door...properly!

charlie96pg

Phil, yes, I thought that - but with what material? Does it have to be wood again or can I use something that doesn't have to be painted on a regular basis?
Ta

Furts

charlie96pg wrote: »

Phil, yes, I thought that - but with what material? Does it have to be wood again or can I use something that doesn't have to be painted on a regular basis?
Ta

Almost nothing is impossible, but your approach runs counter to accepted practice. A door is made to fit a frame and not the other way round. So if you get a frame made to fit the size of your door, remember the door cannot be planed up or trimmed to suit.

I say this because you mention a composite door, which suggests a steel edge. If you really have a timber door matters would be more straight forward.

charlie96pg

Phil, yes. I was just trying to avoid having to buy a new door when the one in place is fine. I understand that, for example, I can't put in a upvc surround without changing the door because the locking mechanisms wouldn't match. I was told by someone (can't remember who) that the door was composite - is there a non-destructive way to tell for sure? Thanks again.

Furts

A wooden door will have edges where you will see the grain, and it will be planed to fit so these edges will not be true, or consistent.

A composite door will have a metal edges, perhaps with a seal detail like a brush. The whole door will have a skin on it so you should be able to flex this or identify the one piece construction - a timber door will be made up of pieces joined together.

Have a poke around and come back to us all with your results.