Door Jamb Guide: The Frame Around a Door in Wood, Steel, PVC and Aluminium, Sizes, Fixing, Plumb and Square, Termite and Rust Protection, Indicative Rates and How to Choose and Fit in Pakistan
A door jamb is the vertical and top frame that holds a door, and a good frame decides whether the door opens smoothly for decades or rubs and sags. Prices run from about PKR 4,000 to PKR 30,000 per frame. This page covers the frame around a door in wood, steel, PVC and aluminium, sizes, fixing, plumb and square, termite and rust protection, indicative rates and how to choose and fit. It also covers wooden door frame, iron door frame, UPVC and PVC door frame searches. For related pages see flush doors, plastic doors and wooden doors.
Frame materials
- Wood. Sheesham, deodar or kail, strong and traditional, needs termite treatment.
- Steel. Strong and quick to fit, needs rust protection.
- PVC and UPVC. Waterproof and maintenance-free, for bathrooms and light doors.
- Aluminium. Light and modern, for glass doors.
Indicative rates
These ranges show common retail figures per standard frame.
| Frame | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| PVC or UPVC frame | PKR 4,000 - 10,000 |
| Steel frame, 18 gauge | PKR 5,000 - 14,000 |
| Wood frame, kail or deodar | PKR 9,000 - 25,000 |
| Sheesham or hardwood frame | PKR 14,000 - 35,000 |
| Fixing, per frame | PKR 1,000 - 3,500 |
Prices move with brand, model, size and stock. Use these ranges to judge a quote, then compare the exact model and what is included.
Sizes
A standard interior frame is for an opening of 0.9 by 2.1 metres, with section sizes of 100 by 50 millimetres for timber or similar for steel, and wider for thick walls. Bathrooms often use 0.75 metre doors. Measure the wall thickness for the jamb width.
Fixing, plumb and square
Set the frame in the opening with wedges, check plumb, level and square with a spirit level and diagonals, fix with anchors or hold-fasts and fill around it with mortar or foam. A twisted frame makes the door rub. Fit before plastering where possible.
Termite and rust protection
Treat timber frames with termite chemical and paint or seal them, and coat steel with anti-rust primer and paint, especially in humid areas. Damp walls and floors cause rot and rust at the base, so keep the frame feet off wet floors.
Choosing
Use PVC for bathrooms, steel for budget interiors and main doors with strength, and timber for traditional looks. Match the frame to the door leaf. See plastic doors for bathrooms.
Installation tips
Use three hinges, leave a 3 millimetre gap around the leaf, install the frame as one piece where possible, and protect it during plastering. Fitting should be done by a trained carpenter or fixer, and the frame and wall checked for level before the door is hung.
What to check before buying
- Material. Right for the room
- Section and gauge. Strong, stated
- Protection. Termite or rust treated
- Fixing. Plumb, square, anchored
Before you decide
Choose the frame for the room, protect it and fix it plumb and square. A good door jamb is hidden strength that keeps the door working for decades. Measure the wall thickness and opening carefully and keep a template for matching later doors.
Frequently Asked Questions
The frame around a door that holds the leaf and hinges. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering.
As indicative ranges, a PVC frame is about PKR 4,000 to 10,000, a steel frame about PKR 5,000 to 14,000 and a wood frame about PKR 9,000 to 25,000. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering.
PVC or UPVC. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
Check plumb, level and square with a spirit level and diagonals. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
Treat wood for termites and prime steel against rust. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay.
Send the quantity, the size or rating and a photo of the space. We reply with a written rate that names the model and the warranty, and lists what is and is not included, so the comparison with other sellers is fair.
Choosing a door frame?
Send the details and a photo. We reply with a written rate.