---
title: "Fixing of wooden door frames"
subject: "Building Technology"
chapter: 6
key: "semester_6/building_technology:door-frame-fixing"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/door-frame-fixing
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Fixing of wooden door frames

Building Technology · Chapter 6: Doors and windows

- Asked in: 2078 Poush, 4 marks
- Video: [Want PERFECT Door Frames? Watch This Now](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E9KWP_ooHI) — Skill Builder
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/door-frame-fixing
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_6/building_technology/chapter-6

## Question

Describe the process of fixing wooden door frames.

## Short answer

Coat frame surfaces with bitumen, attach three holdfasts per jamb, set plumb with temporary braces, build masonry around horns, embed holdfast ends in mortar, check squareness, then hang shutter with 3 mm clearance.

## Answer

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.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. How is the door frame fixed to the wall?
   A. By nails driven into the floor
   B. By holdfasts screwed to the jamb, three per jamb, ends embedded in 1:3 mortar
   C. By glue on the plaster
   D. It is only wedged with bricks
   Answer: B. M.S. flat holdfasts 25 x 6 mm, 300 mm long, are screwed to the jamb and embedded in mortar or concrete blocks. (Key point: Holdfast fixing)

2. How is it checked that the fixed frame is square?
   A. Measure the thickness of the jamb
   B. Check that the head is horizontal only
   C. Compare the diagonals; equal diagonals mean a square frame
   D. Weigh the frame
   Answer: C. Plumb and level are checked with plumb bob and spirit level, and equal diagonals show a square frame. (Key point: Plumb and square check)

3. Why are surfaces touching the wall coated with coal tar or bitumen?
   A. To prevent rot and termite attack
   B. To make the frame lighter
   C. To improve the colour
   D. To help the mortar set
   Answer: A. The coating protects the timber against rot and termites. (Key point: Protection of frame)

## Related in Building Technology

- [Functions of door and window; battened door elevation](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Adoor-window-functions-battened) — Building Technology, chapter 6

## Related in other subjects

- [Rate analysis: sal wood door/window frame per m³](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Festimating_and_costing%3Arate-sal-wood-frame) — Estimating and Costing, chapter 4, asked 3×