To lower a door frame, you can either carefully remove and reinstall the existing frame at a lower height or add extensions to the bottom of the existing jambs.
Lowering a door frame is a task that might be necessary during renovations or modifications to ceiling heights. The process involves altering the existing door opening's structure to accommodate a frame at a reduced height. Based on common construction practices, and as referenced, here are the two primary approaches:
Method 1: Cutting Out and Re-hanging the Existing Door Frame
This method involves the complete removal of the door frame from its current position and then reinstalling it lower down in the same opening or a modified one.
- Steps Involved:
- Carefully score and remove the casing (trim) around the door frame.
- Pry the existing frame members (side jambs and head jamb) out of the rough opening.
- Adjust the rough opening framing if needed to suit the new lower height.
- Insert the existing door frame into the adjusted opening.
- Plumb and square the frame meticulously, shimming as required.
- Secure the frame in place.
- Trim the excess length from the top of the side jambs and head jamb if the original frame was taller than needed for the new opening height.
- Reinstall or replace the casing.
- Key Considerations:
- This process requires significant care to avoid damaging the frame or surrounding walls.
- It may then necessitate repainting 2 walls because removing the frame and casing often disturbs the paint and drywall finish.
- Ensuring the frame is perfectly square and plumb during re-installation is crucial for proper door operation.
Method 2: Using Jamb Extensions at the Bottom
This technique involves modifying the bottom ends of the existing door frame jambs by adding material to make them longer, effectively lowering the bottom threshold.
- Steps Involved:
- Carefully remove the existing casing around the lower part of the door frame.
- Make a couple of jamb extensions to slip in at the bottom of the existing side jambs. These extensions should be cut precisely to match the width and depth of the original jambs.
- Securely attach the extensions to the bottom ends of the existing jambs using glue, screws, or dowels, ensuring a strong and seamless joint.
- Then buy and install new casing around the entire frame to cover the joint where the extensions meet the original jambs and provide a finished look.
- Key Considerations:
- This method can be less disruptive to the surrounding wall finish than removing the entire frame.
- Requires accurate woodworking to create extensions that match the existing jamb profile.
- A clean, strong joint between the original jamb and the extension is vital for structural integrity and appearance.
- You will need to purchase and install new trim or casing around the door frame.
Choosing the appropriate method depends on your skill level, the desired finished look, and how much surrounding wall repair or repainting you are willing to undertake.
Method | Difficulty Level | Wall Repainting Likely? | Casing Requirement | Jamb Modification |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cut Out & Re-hang | Higher | Yes | Reinstall/Replace | Trim top |
Jamb Extensions at Bottom | Moderate | Less likely | Buy and install new | Add to bottom |
Both approaches require careful planning and execution to ensure the final result is structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing.