Fixing of wooden door frames

A wooden door frame (chaukhat) can be fixed either while the wall is being built or after the wall is built.

1. Mark the position and centre line of the door on the plan and check the opening size.
2. Before fixing, coat the faces of the frame that will touch the wall with coal tar or bitumen to prevent rot and termite attack, and fix the holdfasts to the back of the jambs.
3. Set the frame vertical (plumb) and at the correct level using a plumb bob and spirit level; support it with temporary props or diagonal braces so that it does not shift.
4. Place the horns (extensions of the head and sill) in the wall and build the masonry around the frame.
5. The frame is held to the wall by holdfasts (M.S. flats about 25-30 x 6 mm, 200-300 mm long) screwed to the back of the jamb, three per jamb: one 300 mm from the top, one 300 mm from the bottom and one in the middle; their ends are embedded in the wall in 1:3 cement mortar or concrete blocks.
6. In an RCC wall or column, or when the frame is fixed after the wall is built, use rawl plugs/anchor bolts or bolts through the frame.
7. Check plumb and diagonals again (equal diagonals mean a square frame) while the mortar is setting.
8. After plastering, hang the shutter with three hinges, leaving a clearance of about 3 mm all round.

Frames are made of seasoned sal, teak or sisau timber.