External Door Frames

A correctly chosen external door frame provides the support your external door needs while helping create a secure, well-finished entrance. Unlike internal door linings, external frames must be suitable for use at the outside of the property and compatible with the particular door and opening.

Our collection includes external hardwood door frames, oak door frames, adjustable double door frame kits, side-light frame kits, vestibule frames, fanlight frames, cills, weather bars and related components.

Hardwood External Door Frames

Hardwood is a popular material for external door frames because it provides the strength and durability required around an exterior entrance.

Our range includes individual external hardwood frames as well as hardwood frames supplied with components such as a sill or frame seal, depending on the product.

Hardwood frames can work with a wide variety of traditional and contemporary external doors. If the frame is supplied unfinished, it will need to be finished appropriately in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions before or during installation.

Always check the individual product information for the exact dimensions, components supplied and finishing requirements rather than assuming that all hardwood door frames are the same.

External Oak Door Frames

Oak external door frames provide an attractive option where you want the frame to complement an oak external door and retain a natural timber appearance.

The collection includes unfinished oak door frames as well as adjustable and larger frame kits for different entrance arrangements.

An oak frame can provide a particularly coordinated result when paired with an oak door, although compatibility should always be confirmed from the product dimensions rather than selecting solely by material or appearance.

Oak Effect External Door Frames

Oak-effect door frames provide another option for customers looking for an oak-style appearance. Our range includes both pre-finished and unfinished oak-effect external frames.

The right choice will depend on the door being installed, the required frame dimensions and the finish you want to achieve around the home’s entrance.

External Door Frames for Double Doors

Double doors need an external door frame designed around the wider opening and the arrangement of the two door leaves.

Our collection includes adjustable hardwood double door frame kits and oak adjustable double frame kits, providing options for entrances using external door pairs.

If you are creating a pair from two compatible doors, also check whether additional components such as a pair maker or rebated arrangement are required for the particular installation.

Measure the complete opening carefully and check the product specification before ordering, particularly when working with an existing brickwork opening.

Side Light External Door Frame Kits

A side light can introduce additional glass and natural light alongside an external door while creating a wider and more distinctive entrance.

Our external door frames include hardwood and oak side-light frame kits for suitable entrance arrangements.

Because the overall width can vary significantly depending on the door and side-light configuration, check all dimensions before ordering the frame, door and glazing components.

Vestibule and Fanlight Door Frames

Some entrances need more than a conventional rectangular single-door frame. The range therefore includes specialist options such as external vestibule frames and hardwood fanlight door frames.

Vestibule arrangements can accommodate additional sections around the door, while a fanlight frame provides space above the external door for a suitable glazed or decorative panel.

These options can help create a more substantial entrance for traditional properties, renovation projects and homes where the existing opening is larger than a standard external door.

External Door Cills

The cill forms the lower part of an external doorway and plays an important role in completing the threshold area.

Our range includes external hardwood cills as well as external door frames supplied with a sill on selected products.

Check whether the frame you are ordering already includes a cill before purchasing one separately, as the components supplied vary between door frame products.

Weather Bars and Weather Strips

External doors are exposed to changing weather, so the details around the door and frame matter as well as the main timber components.

The collection includes external hardwood weather bars, oak-effect weather bars and external weather strips for suitable applications.

A weather bar is typically fitted towards the bottom of an external door to help direct rainwater away from the door face. Always follow the product and door manufacturer’s guidance when selecting and fitting weather-protection components.

Choosing the Correct External Door Frame Size

Accurate measurement is crucial when choosing external door frames. Measure the opening carefully and confirm the size of the external door that will be fitted within the frame.

Do not assume that two openings described as being for the same nominal door size will have identical requirements. Existing brickwork, previous frames and the construction of the property can all affect the available space.

You should also check the frame width, height, depth and any adjustments allowed by the particular frame kit. For double doors, side lights and vestibule arrangements, make sure you understand the overall assembled dimensions before ordering.

Unfinished External Door Frames

Many timber external door frames are supplied unfinished, giving you the opportunity to choose a suitable custom finish for your project.

Unfinished timber needs appropriate preparation and protection. Follow the manufacturer’s finishing instructions carefully, including any requirements covering the faces, edges, joints or cut surfaces of the frame.

Do not leave an unfinished external frame exposed to the weather without the treatment required by its manufacturer.

Matching an External Door and Frame

The frame and external door need to work together as one installation. Check the door dimensions, thickness, opening direction and required hardware before selecting the frame.

If you are purchasing a new entrance from scratch, choosing the external door and frame together can make it easier to identify compatible products.

Our wider external doors collection includes oak, hardwood, glazed and other entrance doors that can be matched with an appropriate external frame.

Replacing an Existing External Door Frame

It may be possible to replace an external door frame while retaining the existing door, provided the door remains suitable and the new frame is compatible with its dimensions and hardware.

However, an existing opening should be measured carefully once the old frame and surrounding finishes have been considered. If there is rot, movement or damage around the opening itself, further work may be required before a new frame is installed.

Where there is uncertainty over measurements or structural suitability, use an experienced installer rather than ordering solely from the nominal door size.

External Door Frame Installation

Correct installation is important for the operation of the door, the security of the entrance and the effectiveness of the weather sealing around the frame.

The external door frame needs to be installed square, level and securely fixed, with the door correctly aligned inside it. The precise fixing, sealing and finishing method will depend on the frame, surrounding construction and manufacturer’s instructions.

Customers who are not confident measuring or installing an external door frame should consider using a suitably experienced joiner or installer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Buy Just an Exterior Door Frame?

Yes. Doors & Floors Galore sells external door frames separately, so you can purchase a frame for a new installation or as part of a replacement project. Check that the selected frame is compatible with your door and opening before ordering.

How Much Does an External Door Frame Cost?

The price of an external door frame varies according to the material, dimensions and frame arrangement. A standard hardwood single frame, oak frame, double-door kit or side-light frame can all have different prices. Check the current product listing for the latest price including VAT.

What Is the Trim Around an Exterior Door Called?

The structural surround that supports the external door is the door frame. It generally includes vertical jambs and a head across the top, while the lower threshold arrangement may include a cill. Decorative trim used to cover the joint between a frame and surrounding wall is commonly referred to as architrave or moulding.

Can You Replace Just the Frame on an Exterior Door?

Potentially, yes. If the existing external door is still suitable, a replacement frame may be possible. The door dimensions, hardware positions, opening and condition of the surrounding structure all need to be checked first.

Can External Door Frames Be Used for Internal Doors?

An external frame may physically suit some applications, but internal doors generally use internal door frames or linings designed for that purpose. There is usually little benefit in specifying an external frame for a standard internal doorway.

Do External Door Frames Include a Cill?

Some do and some do not. For example, selected external hardwood frames are supplied with a sill, while separate cills are also available. Check exactly what is included with each frame before ordering.

Can I Get a Frame for External Double Doors?

Yes. The collection includes hardwood and oak adjustable double door frame kits designed for suitable external double-door arrangements.

Shop External Door Frames

Browse our collection of external door frames, including hardwood frames, oak frames, double door frame kits, side-light frames, vestibule frames, fanlight frames, cills and weather-protection accessories.

Shop online for UK delivery or visit the Sheffield showroom. If you need support choosing the correct frame for your external door, call the Doors & Floors Galore team on 0114 244 9006.