Fitting an internal door lining is an essential step in ensuring your door is properly supported and functions correctly. This guide provides detailed instructions to help you achieve a professional finish.
Tools and Materials Needed:
- • Spirit level
- • Screwdriver or drill
- • Tape measure
- • Mallet or hammer
- • Saw
- • Wood glue
- • Screws
- • Set square
- • Wood shims/spacers
- • Chisel
- • Temporary bracing batten (30cm x 40cm x 50cm triangle)
Time Required:
This is a detailed job that requires patience and precision. Set aside at least 3-4 hours to complete the installation, possibly more, if you are concerned about rushing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Remove Any Existing Lining
If replacing an old lining, carefully remove it without damaging the surrounding structure. Clean the area and ensure the opening is clear of debris.
2. Measure and Prepare the Lining Kit
- • Your Avon Timber standard door lining kit will include these parts:
- * Lining head piece (top of the frame).
- * Two lining legs (vertical side pieces).
- * Door stops to suit.
- • Measure the height of the door opening and mark this on the legs.
- • Deduct the thickness of the head piece from the marked height to determine the correct length of the legs.
- • Offer the head and a leg together if you want to ensure precision.
- • Hold the head piece in position and mark its required length.
- • Double-check all measurements before cutting.
3. Assemble the Door Lining
- • Lay out the head and legs on a flat surface.
- • Insert the legs into the trenches of the head piece and tap them into place with a mallet.
- • Secure with screws, ensuring they go in straight to avoid damage.
- • Brace the frame to maintain a perfect 90-degree angle using a batten cut to 30cm x 40cm x 50cm (forming a right-angled triangle). Fix the brace in place with temporary screws.
4. Position the Lining in the Opening
- • Carefully lift the assembled lining into the door opening.
- • Check the fit. If it is loose, use wooden spacers or shims to adjust.
- • Use a spirit level to ensure the head piece is level and the legs are plumb (vertically straight).
5. Secure the Lining
- • Begin by fixing the legs to the wall studs using screws.
- • Ensure that the lining remains level and square throughout.
- • Once securely fixed all around, remove the temporary bracing batten.
6. Final Checks and Adjustments
- • Double-check all measurements and angles using a set square and spirit level.
- • If any warping occurs during installation, slightly loosen the screws, adjust, and re-secure.
- • Test fit a door within the lining to confirm a correct fit.
7. Install Door Stops and Finish
- • Once satisfied with the alignment, install door stops inside the frame.
- • Fill any screw holes with wood filler, sand the surface smooth, and finish with paint or stain as needed.
Tips for Success:
- • Always check for squareness by measuring diagonally from corner to corner; the measurements should be identical.
- • If the lining does not fit perfectly, use shims rather than forcing it into position.
- • Double-check alignment at every stage to avoid needing major adjustments later.
By following these steps carefully, you can ensure a well-fitted door lining that provides a solid foundation for your internal doors.
