Can a steel door be installed in an existing door frame?
A steel door in an existing door frame is technically sometimes possible, but in most homes it is not the most attractive solution. Do you currently have a wooden door frame and would you like a steel door with a clean look? Then we recommend removing the existing door frame, finishing the opening neatly, and then installing a tailor-made steel door. In this article, we explain why we choose this solution.
Why an existing door frame often does not give the best result
An existing wooden door frame is usually made for a standard interior door. The dimensions, rebates, and proportions are also tailored to this. With a steel door, this works differently: its strength lies precisely in the slim profile and the seamless transition to the wall. If the old door frame remains in place, you often end up with two styles that do not sit well together. The wood appears heavier, the lines do not continue as neatly, and the door loses part of its clean look. In addition, steel doors are thicker than wooden doors, which means the existing rebate is always too narrow.
Can a steel hinged door be installed in an existing door frame?
A steel hinged door is most similar in use to a standard interior door. Even so, we do not only replace the door itself. Our hinged doors are always supplied with a matching steel door frame, so that the proportions, joints, and connections are correct.
Is there currently a wooden door frame in the opening? Then this must first be removed. This requires slightly more preparation than simply changing a door, but you will immediately see the difference in the cleaner transition to the wall.
Can a steel pivot door be installed in an existing door frame?
We do not install a De Rooy steel pivot door in an existing door frame. This is because a pivot door works very differently from a standard interior door. The door is not hung on hinges in a frame, but rotates on a pivot system in the door. A traditional door frame adds nothing in this case.
At De Rooy Steel Doors, we work with FritsJurgens pivot systems. One advantage of this is that no large recess is required in the floor. This also makes the system suitable for homes with underfloor heating. The existing door frame must then be removed, so that the pivot door can rotate freely and neatly within the opening.
Can a steel sliding door be installed in an existing door frame?
We also prefer to remove the existing door frame when installing a steel sliding door. This applies to a sliding door in front of the wall, as well as to a sliding door that disappears into the wall. Especially with a door in front of the wall, the opening remains clearly visible when the door is open. A neatly plastered wall then creates a calmer look than an old wooden door frame.
More design freedom with toplights and side panels
When the existing door frame is removed, there is often more freedom in the design. For example, you can choose a toplight or one or more side panels. This makes the opening appear larger and allows more daylight to pass through the space. This works particularly well in places where you want a clear division but want to retain the light. Think of the transition between the hall and living room, or between the kitchen and dining room.
How does the process work?
When replacing an existing door frame with a steel door by De Rooy, the order of the process is important. Broadly speaking, the process is as follows:
- The existing door frame is removed.
- The opening is finished neatly, for example with plasterwork.
- Once the wall and floor are ready, we measure the opening precisely.
- The steel door is tailor-made in our workshop in Veenendaal.
- Our fitters install the door in your home.
Are you having the walls plastered? Then this must be done before measuring. Our steel doors are made with millimetre precision, so that they fit beautifully into the finished opening. The floor must therefore also already be in place at the time of measuring. After measuring, the average delivery time is 6 to 8 weeks.
Personal advice in our showroom
Are you unsure what would suit your home best? Feel free to bring photos, measurements, or drawings to our showroom in Veenendaal. We will then look together at the opening, the floor finish, and the type of door you like. This allows us to provide targeted advice on which solution will give the most attractive and practical result.
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