Replacing internal door frames and architrave?

[mgba_78]

How easy is this to do? Can it be done by a intermediate DIY'er? Rough cost on how much it would be?

Many Thanks

[jono!!!]

it is certainly possible for an intermediate diy'er to do this, depending on what kind of diy you have done before, also check you can get a casing (frame) to match the existing one, and whether the architrave has to match the existing, i would certainly do my homework first before ripping anything out, as having a big hole in your wall with plaster hanging off, is not a good look !!!

[buildersmate]

The wood is very little money - its the labour time to do it that would drive the cost. OK for a competent DIYer if you value your time as for free.

Think about the way these are constructed. 3 pieces of wood are nailed into the two sides and top of the doorway (the frame), then the plasterer uses the flat edge of the frame on each side of the doorway to plaster up to. Then the architraving (3 pieces each side) are nailed onto the side of the frame, covering the joint between frame and plaster. Then the rebates for the hinges are cut in the frame and the door hung. Usually the frame is made slightly smaller than the door size and the door is trimmed back to fit reasonably snuggly.

Its a lot of work.

[buildersmate]

Oh, I forgot. There's 3 more pieces of wood forming the doorstop nailed to the inside of the frame at the end.

Then there's filling the little gaps with gap filler and painting.

[yogibear]

NO! It is not easy. If you live in a fairly modern house(post ww2) and you are a pretty good diyer then you should be able to manage it, If it is pre WW2 Then i would advise you not to attempt it as the removal of the frame sometimes leads to large areas of damage to surrounding plaster. Not many diyers are good at plastering.If you decide to attempt the job remove the old frame first then measure across the opening, that is from the face of the plaster on one side to the face of the plaster on the other side, This measurement is critical The new frame should be about 1/8" bigger you might have to get a bigger one and plane it down to fit do not use a smaller frame or you will have great difficulty fitting the architraves.If you buy a door casing from any of the big DIY stores they will be the correct width and the correct height for a new door ie bigger not smaller.Using screws to fix the frame rather than nails will help to keep damage to plaster to a minimum.Fill any gaps round the frame with expanding foam this also helps reduce damage.When you come to fit the door remember that if it is a hollow door it has only got a lock block on one side of the door this is indicated on the top of the door by the word "LOCK" or by a key symbol.If there is no carpet on the floor you may need to reduce the height of the new frame or you will have a large gap left under the door.If you are fitting knobs not lever handles then be sure to fit a 3" latch not a standard one.Lastly if door is fitted on a bathroom kitchen or cylinder cupboard use 3 hinges if not 2 will be sufficient. GOODLUCK!