How do you repair wood around a door frame?

Over time, the wood around door frames can become damaged due to normal wear and tear. Door jambs and stops can become loose, cracked, or split from slamming the door or natural contraction and expansion of the wood. Repairing this damage as soon as it happens will prevent further deterioration and more extensive repairs down the road. With some basic tools and supplies, you can repair the wood around your door frame to restore it to proper working order.

Assess the Damage

The first step is to thoroughly examine the wood around the door frame to determine what needs repair. Look at both sides of the door jamb where it meets the wall, as well as the head jamb across the top of the frame. Check for:

• Loose, wobbly jambs – If you can move the jamb side to side, the attachment to the wall framing has come loose.
• Split, cracked, or broken wood – Damage like this can occur from slamming the door or general wear.
• Decayed or rotting wood – Exposure to moisture can cause wood to rot, which needs to be replaced.
• Missing or loose stop molding – The stop is the trim that prevents the door from swinging through the jamb. It can become detached from its nails.
• Damage around hinges – This often occurs if hinges are loose and move while opening/closing the door.

Inspect to see how extensive the damage is. Minor issues like loose joints or small cracks can be repaired. However, severely damaged, rotten, or missing pieces will need full replacement.

Gather Your Materials

Based on your inspection, gather the necessary materials to make repairs:

• Wood glue – For re-securing joints and bonding cracks.
• Wood filler – Fills small holes, cracks, and rotted areas prior to repainting.
• Epoxy wood consolidant – Bonds and strengthens decayed wood.
• Wood pieces – Replacement jamb or stop molding matching the existing size and style.
• Wood dowels or golf tees – For filling old nail holes.
• Paintable wood putty – For filling nail holes, cracks, and defects after finishing new wood.
• Sandpaper – For smoothing rough areas before painting.
• Hand saw – For cutting replacement wood pieces to size.
• Hammer – For nailing trim and tapping joints into place.
• Nails – Match size and finish of existing nails.
• Wood screws – For added strength securing replacements.
• Drill – For drilling pilot holes for screws.
• Paint – Match existing finish coat after repairs are complete.

Having all materials ready will make your repair job go faster.

Secure Loose Jambs

If the door jamb moves at all when you push on it, the attachment to the wall framing has come loose. This most often occurs on the side jambs. To secure it:

1. Have someone hold the jamb firmly in place or clamp it.
2. Pre-drill holes through the jamb and into the frame behind.
3. Drive 3″ wood screws through the jamb and into the framing.
4. Sink screws below surface and fill holes with wood putty.

Be careful not to over-tighten screws to prevent cracking or splitting the wood. Re-securing side jambs this way will stabilize the frame and prevent further damage.

Repair Small Cracks

For hairline cracks or any crack less than 1/4″ wide, you can use wood glue to repair it. Follow these steps:

1. Clean out any debris or old glue from the crack using a utility knife.
2. Apply wood glue along the length of the crack and spread evenly.
3. Clamp the pieces together or tap with a hammer to close the crack.
4. Wipe away any excess glue squeeze-out.
5. Allow glue to fully cure for at least 8 hours.

The repaired crack will be barely noticeable once you repaint the finished area.

Patch Larger Cracks and Holes

For splits, gouges, or holes wider than 1/4″, you’ll need to patch in new wood:

1. Clean out the damaged area and cut back any splintered edges.
2. Cut a piece of replacement wood slightly larger than the hole.
3. Trace the hole shape onto the new wood and cut to fit.
4. Apply wood glue and clamp the patch in place.
5. Drill pilot holes and toenail with short nails to secure.
6. Use wood putty to fill gaps and nail holes after the glue dries.
7. Sand smooth when fully cured.

Take care shaping, sanding and finishing the patch to blend seamlessly with the surrounding area.

Replace Severely Damaged Sections

For door jambs or stops that are split, rotted, or missing large sections you will need to replace that piece entirely:

1. Remove nails, screws, or molding holding the damaged wood.
2. Pry the wood free using a pry bar, being careful not to damage the surrounding frame.
3. Measure and cut a new wood piece to size.
4. Pre-drill and toenail replacement wood with finishing nails.
5. Fill nail holes with putty once secured.
6. Reinstall any molding or stops removed.
7. Fill gaps with paintable caulk before repainting.

When replacing large sections, match the wood species, thickness, and profile of the original frame. Use screws for extra strength.

Repair Hinge Damage

To fix wood damaged around hinges:

1. Remove hinge screws and detach hinge from jamb.
2. Patch damaged area with wood filler, glue, or spliced wood.
3. Reinstall hinge once repair has cured.
4. Predrill new screw holes slightly above old ones.

Be sure door alignment is correct and hinges are firmly attached. Shimming under hinges can help reduce future damage.

Sand and Refinish

Once all repairs are complete, the final steps are sanding and refinishing:

1. Sand all patched and replacement areas smooth and blend with surrounding wood.
2. Clean sanded surface to remove dust.
3. Seal new wood with primer to match old finish.
4. Apply topcoat paint or stain matching existing color.
5. Allow finish coats to fully cure before use.

Proper prep and finish will help your repairs blend in while restoring protection to the wood. Maintain your finish coat over time to prevent future deterioration.

When to Call a Professional

While many issues around a door frame can be repaired with basic DIY skills, there are times you may want to call in a carpenter or door installation specialist:

• Rot extends into the wall framing or threshold.
• Jambs or stops are damaged beyond surface repair.
• Door alignment needs major adjustment.
• Moisture or foundation issues are causing ongoing damage.
• Prefer having repairs professionally done.

For major rehabilitation due to extensive water damage or foundation settling, a professional will have the best skills and tools to make structural repairs. Have them inspect and provide a quote for the work needed.

Conclusion

With some basic carpentry skills and tools, you can repair many common issues with wood around a door frame. Assessing damage, securing loosened jambs, gluing cracks, patching or replacing sections, and refinishing are processes you can do yourself without necessarily having to call in a carpenter. Keep your eyes open for early signs of wear like hairline cracks or loose joints. Addressing small problems as they arise prevents more extensive damage in the long run. Your timely repairs will help preserve your door frames and keep them functioning properly for many years.