How to Fix a Door When the Wood Framing Is Beat Up

Exterior door frames must be strong enough to provide security

Doors and door frames take a beating, especially if you have kids or own a rental property. The frames may be made from solid wood, or more commonly, a wood composite particleboard product. Although wood composite doors and frames are inexpensive, they are easily gouged or nicked. Surface damage is simple to repair, but if the frame is cracked or severely damaged, you'll probably need to replace the door frame.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4 cup trisodium phosphate
• Bucket
• Scrub brush
• Hammer
• Carpenter's nails
• Wood glue
• Screwdriver
• Wood putty or epoxy
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper
• Primer
• Paintbrush
• Latex enamel paint

Instructions

1. Wash the door and frame with a solution of 1/4 cup trisodium phosphate and 1 gallon warm water. Trisodium phosphate is an alkaline cleaning product used by professional painters to quickly cut through grease and grime. What appears to be damage to the door may actually just be dirt and wear. Once the surface is clean you can more accurately assess the damage.

2. Hammer small carpenter's nails into the wood frame every 12 to 18 inches if necessary, if the frame is sagging or loose. Apply wood glue to any loose joints and tighten the screws in the hardware that holds the door.

3. Apply wood putty or epoxy to cracks or gouges in the wood frame with a putty knife. Smooth the putty so it is level with the surrounding wood and allow it to dry. Sand it with a fine piece of sandpaper.

4. Prime the door and wood frame with a high-quality wood primer and paint it. A fresh coat of paint can hide many minor flaws in a door or frame.

Tips & Warnings

• If the wood frame is so beat up that it is structurally unsound even after you've nailed it, your best bet is probably to replace the door frame. New door frames are available at home improvement stores.

References

• Better Homes and Gardens New Complete Guide to Home Repairs and Improvements; Benjamin W. Allen

Resources

• HammerZone.com: How to Repair a Split or Cracked Door Jamb