Door Frame Guide: Wood, Steel, PVC and MDF Chokhat Options
The door frame, often called the chokhat, carries the weight of the leaf and holds the hinges and the lock, so a good frame matters as much as a good door. A weak, warped or badly fixed frame causes sticking, gaps and sagging, whatever the leaf cost. This guide compares wood, steel, PVC and MDF frames, explains how to match the frame to the wall and the leaf, covers fixing and termite protection and lists what to check. It pairs with our door installation guide.
Frame materials compared
Each material suits different doors and rooms.
| Material | Strengths | Limits | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid wood | Strong, holds screws, repairable | Moisture and termites need care | Wooden doors, main entrances |
| Steel | Very strong, termite-proof | Rust care, fewer looks | Security doors, stores |
| PVC | Waterproof, termite-proof | Lower strength | Bathrooms, kitchens |
| MDF | Smooth, consistent, painted | Water damages it | Dry interior rooms |
Leaf options: wooden doors, steel doors and PVC doors.
Match the frame to the wall and the leaf
The frame width should match the wall thickness, so the finished frame sits flush with both plaster faces or shows the intended reveal. The opening must be slightly larger than the leaf to allow the gap. Our standard door sizes guide lists the usual leaf sizes, and the frame must suit the leaf's thickness and hinge position.
Fixing the frame
The frame must be plumb, level and square, anchored into the wall with enough fixings on each side. Packing between the frame and the wall prevents twisting when screws are tightened. Check the diagonals match, and test that the leaf swings freely and stays where it is left. A frame fixed out of plumb makes every door problem worse.
Termites, moisture and protection
Wooden frames are the first target for termites and damp. Treat the timber before fitting, keep the frame off wet floors and seal the cut ends. In bathrooms and kitchens, use PVC or steel frames, or seal wood carefully. Termite damage starts hidden at the base.
What to check before you buy
- Material and thickness, stated in writing.
- Straightness: sight along each post for twists.
- Moisture: well-seasoned timber with no splits.
- Joints: tight and square at the corners.
- Fit: suits the leaf, the hinges and the wall.
Mixing frames and leaves
A frame and leaf in the same material and finish look consistent, but combinations are common, such as an MDF leaf in a wooden frame. Make sure the hinge and the lock set match the pair. For MDF leaves, see MDF doors.
Indicative frame prices
Frames are usually priced by running foot and section size.
| Item | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Wooden the frame, 10 in section | About PKR 790 per running foot |
| Frame, leaf and hardware, whole-house planning figure | About PKR 22,000 per door |
Indicative market ranges.
How we quote
Send the opening size, the room and a photo. We confirm what we can supply and reply with a written rate that lists the door, frame and finish.
| Item | Unit | Scope | Supply | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The frame, by material and size | Per frame | Door only, fitting quoted separately | Supply across Pakistan | Wooden frame PKR 550 per running ft (PKR 9,350 – 11,000 per door); steel frame PKR 9,000 – 12,500 |
| Hinges and lock keeps | Per set | Door only, fitting quoted separately | Supply across Pakistan | Local butt hinge PKR 70 – 280 each; imported / ball-bearing sets PKR 800 – 3,600 |
The frame: Frequently Asked Questions
Chokhat is the common name for a the frame in Pakistan. It is the structure fixed into the wall opening that carries the door leaf, hinges and lock. It can be made from wood, steel, PVC or MDF, and it must match the wall thickness and the leaf for a good fit.
Solid wood is strong and repairable, steel is strongest and termite-proof, PVC suits wet rooms and MDF suits dry interior rooms. Choose by room, moisture and security needs, and make sure the frame matches the leaf and the hinge type you plan to use.
The frame should match the wall thickness so it sits flush with the plaster, and the opening must allow for the leaf and a small gap. Measure the finished opening and the wall thickness, and confirm the leaf and frame sizes with the supplier before ordering.
Treat the timber before fitting, seal the cut ends, keep the frame off wet floors and use a damp-proof detail at the base. Check for fine dust or small holes each year. In wet areas, a PVC or steel frame avoids the risk.
Often yes, if the frame is sound, plumb and the new leaf matches its size, thickness and hinge positions. If the frame is warped, damaged or the wrong size, replacing the frame with the door usually gives a better, longer-lasting result.
Send the opening size, the wall thickness and a photo on WhatsApp, with the frame material you prefer. We confirm what we can supply and reply with a written rate that lists the frame, hinges and any fittings, so you can compare quotes on the same scope.
Need a the frame?
Send the opening size and the wall thickness. We reply with a written rate.