Transform Your Home with the Best Door Frames in the UK: A Practical Guide to Choices, Costs, and Where to Buy

Why the right door frame makes a real difference

Think of a door frame as the stage for your door: it sets the scene, supports the show, and even affects how the whole set looks. Pick the wrong frame and the door sticks, looks odd, or lets drafts creep in. Choose a well-made frame and you’ll notice smoother operation, better insulation, and a smarter finish. Whether you’re swapping an internal frame or upgrading to a weather-tight external frame, the frame you pick has a bigger impact than most people realise.

Common types of door frames and where each shines

Door frames come in a variety of builds and styles, each suited to different parts of the home. Knowing the options helps you match the frame to the door and the room.

Timber (softwood) door frames

Softwood frames are the go-to for many DIYers. They’re lightweight, affordable, and easy to trim and paint. If you’re fitting internal doors in a standard-sized home, softwood frames work great. Expect to get a reliable, paint-ready finish that’s simple to modify on site.

Hardwood and engineered timber frames

Hardwood or engineered frames deliver a richer look and better durability. They’re ideal for visible, high-traffic internal doors or when you want to stain rather than paint. Engineered timber offers good stability, reducing the chance of warping in wet rooms or variable conditions.

Composite and uPVC frames

Composite and uPVC frames are your best bet for external doors where weather resistance matters. They’re low-maintenance, resist rot and swelling, and usually come pre-finished. If you want a long-lasting exterior frame without painting every few years, these are worth the extra cost.

Metal frames and fire-rated options

For garages, utility rooms, or properties with specific building-regulation needs, metal or steel frames and fire-rated timber frames are available. These frames often come with certifications and are common in multi-occupancy developments and commercial conversions.

Top UK retailers to buy door frames from

There’s a wide array of places to buy door frames in the UK, from big-box DIY stores to trade suppliers and online marketplaces. Below are reputable options where you can compare quality, price, and service.

B&Q

B&Q is a popular pick for DIYers because of its broad range and easy-to-use online store. You’ll find standard internal and external frames, often available for click-and-collect or home delivery. They frequently offer budget softwood frames and pre-primed options for painting.

Wickes

Wickes is another mainstream option with a good selection of timber and composite frames. Wickes tends to cater to both DIY and trade customers, so you’ll find straightforward pre-hung door frames and trade-quality alternatives if you need a more robust product.

Screwfix

If speed and availability matter, Screwfix is known for stock levels and convenience, with many branches and fast online dispatch. Their range includes basic frames and specialist fire-rated or steel frames for specific needs.

Howdens

Howdens targets kitchen and joinery projects, so you’ll find a solid selection of fitted-frame solutions and bespoke options. If you’re fitting kitchen or utility room doors and want the frame to match a joinery finish, Howdens is worth checking.

Travis Perkins and Jewson

These trade suppliers are ideal if you’re working on a larger project or want access to robust, long-lasting frames. They stock heavier-duty timber, engineered frames, and fire-rated options. Trade accounts can deliver better pricing for bulk buys.

Selco Builders Warehouse

Selco is a trade-focused chain with a good balance of DIY accessibility. They stock a wide range of frame materials and sizes, and their staff usually have the practical know-how to advise on onsite modification and installation.

Toolstation, Amazon UK, and eBay

Toolstation offers handy local stock and competitively priced frames, while Amazon UK and eBay provide a huge marketplace of mass-market and specialist frames. Be cautious on marketplaces: check seller ratings, product dimensions in inches, and whether the frame ships ready to fit.

How to measure for a new door frame (in inches)

Measure twice and cut once—this old saying holds true. Before ordering, get accurate measurements in inches so the frame fits smoothly into the opening. Here’s a simple approach that keeps things straightforward.

Measuring the existing opening

Measure the width of the door opening at the top, middle, and bottom in inches and use the smallest measurement. Do the same for height: measure from the floor to the underside of the top of the opening at the left, middle, and right. For most internal doors you’ll commonly be looking at heights around 6'6" (78") or 6'8" (80"), and common widths like 24", 27", 30", or 32". Allow a little wiggle room for packing and trimming.

Measuring the reveal and clearance

Also measure the reveal (the distance from the wall surface to the front of the frame) in inches so the frame sits flush with plaster or skirting. Factor in the thickness of any wall coverings. If you’re fitting an external frame, check the threshold height and whether you need an extension or liner to seal against drafts and water.

Installation basics: DIY vs professional fit

You can fit many internal frames yourself if you’re handy with a spirit level and chisel, but external frames and fire-rated installations often need a pro. Here’s what to consider when deciding to DIY or hire.

DIY-friendly tasks

If the opening is square and the floor is level within a few inches of adjustment, a standard internal frame kit with packers and fixings is manageable. You’ll need a drill, spirit level, shims, and a saw for small trims. Expect to spend a morning or afternoon on a single standard frame if you’ve got a helper.

When to hire a professional

Hire a professional for external frames, frames that need structural alterations, fire-rated frames that require certification, or when the wall opening is far from square. Pros will ensure correct packing, weatherproofing, and compliance with building regs—especially for external doors or when making the frame part of a structural change.

Finishes, painting, and sealing tips

How you finish a frame affects appearance and longevity. Pre-primed frames save time, while hardwood and composite frames can be stained or left with a factory finish. Here are practical finishing tips that make a difference.

Priming and painting timber frames

Prime all faces—especially end grain—before painting. Use a good-quality wood primer and apply two coats of paint for a durable finish. Sand lightly between coats for a smooth look. For internal doors, satin or eggshell finishes are popular; for exterior frames, use a weather-resistant exterior paint.

Sealing and weatherproofing external frames

External frames need a continuous seal between the frame and the brick or render. Use expanding foam sparingly for gaps, then back it with a flexible sealant in inches-wide beads where needed. Install a proper threshold or drip to prevent water ingress at the bottom of the frame.

Cost guide: what to expect to pay

Prices vary based on material, size, and whether a frame is pre-hung or supplied loose. Here’s a rough guide to typical price ranges in the UK market so you can budget in pounds and inches.

Typical price bands

For internal softwood frames expect to pay from around £20 to £50 for a basic, pre-primed frame. Higher-quality hardwood or engineered frames typically start around £70 and can go to £200 or more. Composite and uPVC external frames often sit in the £150 to £400 range, depending on glazing and security features. Fire-rated frames and certified steel frames cost more—often several hundred pounds.

Labour and additional costs

If you hire a fitter, add labour costs—often charged per frame or per hour—so get multiple quotes. Factor in door furniture like hinges and locks in inches for backset compatibility, and any finishing paint, sealant, or packers you’ll need. For a professional installation, total cost per frame including labour can vary widely, so budget accordingly.

Choosing the right frame for your project

Match the frame to the room’s needs. Think practical first—will it be exposed to damp, high traffic, or curious kids? Then think about looks. A frame that complements your door style and the home’s era can lift the whole interior.

Key decision factors

Decide on material (timber, composite, metal), required certifications (fire or security), finish (painted, stained, factory-finished), and whether you need a pre-hung set or a bare frame. Consider long-term maintenance—do you want low-maintenance uPVC, or the warmth of timber that needs periodic care?

Maintenance tips to keep frames looking and performing great

A little care goes a long way. Clean frames with a mild detergent, check seals annually, and touch up paint where wood shows. For external frames, inspect for rot, swelling, or gaps after winter—small repairs now save major replacements later.

Seasonal checks and small repairs

Inspect hinge screws and tighten if the door starts to sag; you can often fix a sticking door with a new packer or a shim. Replace worn seals on external frames in inches of gap to retain insulation. For timber, a coat of exterior-grade paint or oil every few years keeps moisture at bay and keeps your frames looking sharp.

Sustainable and smart choices

Looking for greener options? Consider FSC-certified timber or engineered frames that use less slow-grown hardwood. Reclaimed frames are another planet-friendly choice if you like a character look. For efficiency, choose frames with thermal breaks or integrated seals to help reduce energy bills.

Choosing the right door frame is less glamorous than picking tiles or paint, but it’s just as influential on the feel and performance of your home. With the right measurements in inches, the suitable material, and a reliable supplier—whether a trade outlet like Travis Perkins or a high-street DIY store like B&Q—you can get a frame that lasts and looks great.

Final practical checklist before you buy

Before you click “buy,” run through this quick checklist: have you measured the opening in inches at three points, confirmed the floor level, chosen the correct material for internal or external use, checked for required certifications, and priced up fitting and finishing costs? If the answer is yes, you’re ready to place the order with confidence.

With patience, a little prep, and the right supplier, upgrading or replacing a door frame can be a straightforward project that dramatically improves how your doors function and how your home looks.

Conclusion: Invest time in choosing and measuring, pick a reputable supplier, and consider professional fitting for complex or external frames. The right door frame is a small detail that repays you in comfort, appearance, and long-term value.