If your door frame has been damaged, you will need to replace it. If you wish to replace the door yourself, but do not know how, this article will help you learn how to replace a door frame. You will need a tape measure, 2×4 studs, a reciprocating saw, a hand saw (or circular saw), a hammer (or nail gun), 10d framing nails, a level, and a square.

How to Replace a Door Frame

1. Remove the casing, or trim, around the door frame. If you take it off carefully, you may be able to use it again.

2. Saw off the nails that are connecting the door and door frame to the wall.

3. Saw off the framing studs.

4. If you cannot reach the wall frame, take off some drywall/paneling on each side of the wall until you can.

5. Measure the new door you are putting in.

6. Make marks indicating the width of the new door you are putting in on the wall frame.

7. Measure the following distance from each of your marks (going out) and mark them as well: 3/8 inches, 1-7/8 inches, 3-3/8 inches.

8. Measure the height of your new door.

9. Make marks on the wall studs indicating the height of the door.

10. Saw a pair of studs so that they will fit between your width marks.

11. Place the studs on your 3-3/8 inch marks.

12. Use a hammer or nail gun to put framing nails through each side of your studs diagonally, so that they are attached to two boards.

13. Measure the space in between the studs.

14. Saw another stud, so that it is the same width as what you just measured.

15. Nail this stud to both of your previous studs.

16. Measure the space between the wall frame and the header.

17. Saw another stud to be the height that you just measured.

18. Put the stud in the middle of your header, vertically oriented.

19. Nail the stud to the header, and through the wall frame diagonally.

20. Saw off anything that is blocking your doorway.

Additional Help

If you need help replacing your door frame, you can contact a professional handyman to do it for you. With the help of TalkLocal, you can be on the phone in minutes with up to three high quality handymen in your area who will be available to be help you when you need them!