A new doorway comes with requirements, and a perfect frame is one of them. You cannot do it otherwise unless you want it to look and work terribly wrong. Installing door lining is probably the most sophisticated step in the process, especially for someone with no DIY experience.
Once you get into it, the job itself is not that difficult. To make it simple, the lining is basically a frame. It is usually based on wood and prevents the door from jamming. It also conceals building materials surrounding the actual door.
What you need for the job
You will need certain tools to get the job done, apart from the actual lining. First, you need a spirit level. Then, you need a screwdriver. A tape measure is just as important in the process – measure three times before doing anything, just to make sure.
Then, get a mallet or a hammer, a saw – an electric one will be better than a manual one, wood glue, lots of screws in different sizes, and a set square. Getting the job done is very likely to take about half a day, so take your time and make sure you have plenty of it.
Remove the old lining
The first step implies removing the old lining. There is probably none if this is a new doorway in your house. Remove it slowly without damaging the wall if you are only replacing an old damaged one. The new lining should come with three main elements – a couple of jambs and a head. Jambs go on the sides.
Time for measurements
Installing internal doors UK is not as difficult as it may seem if you measure everything and have a plan. Get the jambs and align each of them with the studs on your wall. You need to mark the actual height of the door on your jambs – get a pencil for the job and not a pen.
Then, you need to measure the thickness of the head too. This measurement must be deducted from the lining height. You need to mark the length of the head as well. Keep it pushed against the top of your door, then mark it.
Once you are done, do it again. Make sure the measurements are perfect, and then you can proceed with cutting the linings. Cutting too little will give you a chance to fix the problem. Cutting too much may ruin the lining – sometimes, you can just make it shorter.
When done, you need to put everything down in a large working area. It should be clear, and you should have plenty of space to move.
Proceed with the installation
Get the head and find the two notches – required for the legs. You then need to tap your legs into place. Make sure they feel solid and well put together, or they can collapse. It makes no difference if you are installing internal fire doors, panel doors, or other types of doors.
Put the screws in to ensure the legs are well-fitted. You need to be careful at this step. If screws go in the wrong angle, they could damage the legs. Besides, legs may also crack. Sometimes, it is worth doing it at a slow speed.
Get the lining and ensure the angle is perfect – 90 degrees, not more, not less. Basically, you should have a bit of a triangle-shaped design with 90-degree angles.
Fit the design
Slowly insert the lining into the area. If you measured correctly and did everything by the book, the lining should match like a glove. Use spacers to ensure it is perfectly straight if some corners do not fit correctly. Besides, you need to ensure the head is perfectly level.
If the head is level and the lining fits, jambs should be perpendicular to the floor. Secure the design with screws and make sure it does not warp. Test the lining before getting the screws completely in – simply use a spirit level. You can make slight adjustments here and there.
If everything looks alright, put the screws all the way in. There is a risk of warping while working on the lining. Loosen the screws a bit and make small adjustments. As long as the measurements are correct, you can make small adjustments without too much hassle.
A few extras
Whether you are after oak doors or other materials, keep in mind that the lining aims to work like a cover on the inside. A similar frame should be added on the outside too, only to make the design more attractive and appealing. Otherwise, it feels like an incomplete piece of work.
Door stops are also quite common. They go on the wall, and they prevent the handle or knob from damaging a wall. They go on the floor, somewhere close to the wall against the door. This feature is just a matter of personal preferences.
Conclusion
The bottom line, lining for doors can be a bit tricky. The project itself does look challenging, especially if you are not used to DIY projects. However, it is fairly simple and will not require too much skill – you simply need to ensure everything is measured a few times.
Small measurement issues can make the lining useless. You can also find a lining in commerce if you have a standard size, not to mention getting an expert to do it for you – obviously, doing it yourself will cost less.
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FAQs
How long should it take to fit a door lining?
An experienced carpenter can install a door lining within 60 to 90 minutes. Each door comes with specific particularities, which could make the job more or less demanding. Fitting architraves may take about an hour. Someone with a bit of DIY experience will need at least two good hours to get the job done.
Do you screw the head of a door lining?
Get the lining in place and make sure it is secured. You can use 100mm screw fixings for the job. If you use studs for the fitting, screws will be able to hold the door without any issues at all. If the lining goes into masonry, wall plugs will be required for a secure fit.
How thick should a door lining be?
The standard thickness for linings is 1.125 inches, but custom doors may have other requirements.