Whether you choose to build or buy a door frame, the upgrade brings character to any area involved. Building a door frame into a wall opening provides an attachment point for the door while continuing to maintain support and strength for the wall.
Standard Services | Quantity | Low | High | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
What you can expect | |||||
Range per opening: | $154.37 | $250.25 | |||
Range for this type of project: | $154 | $250 | |||
Estimate: $202 | |||||
Door Opening Cost | 1 opening | $35 | $40 | ||
Cost of residential-grade frame set for 4-9/16" jamb. Frame is 36" x 80", ready to install, and pre-primed. | |||||
Door Opening Labor, Basic | 2 hours | $46 | $113 | ||
Labor cost, under typical conditions, for complete installation. Wood-framed door opening up to 6' wide will be measured, cut, and installed, including 4"x10" header, jack and king studs. Fee is inclusive of all aspects of the project, such as thorough planning, acquisition of equipment and material, preparation and protection of project site, and meticulous cleanup. | |||||
Door Opening Job Supplies | 1 opening | $45 | $51 | ||
Requisite supplies for the job, including fasteners, connectors, and dimensional lumber for openings. | |||||
Door Opening Equipment Allowance | 1 job | $27 | $46 | ||
Daily rental of specialty equipment for maximum quality and efficiency. These include pneumatic framing nailer, 12" miter saw, and 3-1/4" electric planer. Consumable equipment elements not included. |
cost to frame a door opening | |
National Avg. Materials Cost per opening | $38.96 |
National Avg. Cost (labor and materials) for 6 opening | $960.21 |
National Cost Range (labor and materials) for 6 opening | $755.74 - $1,164.68 |
The dimensions of the door frame are determined by the size of the door to be installed. The frame begins with special full-length boards called king studs on the outside edges. The header is installed above the door between the king studs, and it rests on shorter support boards called jack studs.
If you have a large or double door or if the wall has a greater thickness than normal, the frame will require more lumber, which adds to the cost. Walls that are constructed of solid building materials such as brick or stone are more difficult to work with and can increase the number of labor hours. Special anchors may also be required to attach the king studs to the wall. The number of openings that need to be framed and the condition of the walls can also impact the final cost.
Framing a door requires precision and attention to detail. The edges must be perfectly plumbed and all corners precisely squared. If the frame isn't installed correctly, the door will not fit properly and may have trouble opening and closing smoothly. For this reason, most homeowners turn to a construction professional to perform the installation. Their expertise ensures the frame is installed to the correct proportions and alignment for trouble free operation.