Trimming a door frame or frame replacement?

gecko19

Hello All,

I am having some issues figuring out how to replace or fix my door frames. I have door frames which are painted magnolia (possibly from the 1960s). We have door frames which have had night latches installed(before we bought the house). These have been removed but the staples of the latches have left gaps in the architraves and frames.


I know the architraves can be replaced by standard MDF architraves, but I am unsure if I will get the same color for the frame as the architrave - What paint can I use? The architraves will need changing due to the damage.

Alternatively,I have the idea(sounding like an idiot now, I know) to trim the frame , the two jambs and the lintel by 10-15 mm(the frame extends into the wall like a 'H' with a short top edge and all sides are about 200mm thick. I was hoping I could take of 10 mm from each side and the lintel and then replace with MDF 18mm thick skirting(get the skirting in the width as needed). The good thing about this is no sanding is required , and the MDF replacement bits will look the same - any ideas how the 15 mm piece can be cut off from the frame - I am thinking of using a jigsaw(since the trimming has to be done in place).

Any ideas appreciated.

Jackmydad

Are these internal door "frames"? If they are, then replace the architrave, fill the lining (internal door "frames" are called linings). Paint the whole lot to suit.
I'm not quite sure what you are trying to do with the trimming bit, but I'd recommend that you don't attempt it. Certainly not with a jigsaw.
You can replace the linings themselves if you want to, but that's a bigger job of course.

gecko19

Jackmydad wrote: »

Are these internal door "frames"? If they are, then replace the architrave, fill the lining (internal door "frames" are called linings). Paint the whole lot to suit.
I'm not quite sure what you are trying to do with the trimming bit, but I'd recommend that you don't attempt it. Certainly not with a jigsaw.
You can replace the linings themselves if you want to, but that's a bigger job of course.

Thanks Jackmydad. Yes , these are internal door frames. from what I have seen so far I think the door lining has its top ends into the brick work of the wall - I think it is structural, it supports the bricks on top , so any work would involve keeping the frame in tact. Is it possible to replace the linings without breaking the plaster?

Thanks,

Jackmydad

Wooden linings aren't structural. Or at least they shouldn't be. If the walls are brick / block, and not plasterboard, then there should by rights be a proper lintel of some sort. The top part of the lining has "horns" sticking out either side, which are part of how the linings are made, and can be cut off the new one once the lining is made up ready to fit. There are loads of good "how tos" online.