Door Frames

Summary

Door frames surround and support a door leaf, transom, or sidelight, most often as formed steel frames in a knockdown or welded configuration. Frame gauge, profile, anchors, and rating must be coordinated with the door, hardware, and wall construction, since the frame carries the door and sets the opening's fire label.

Cols

Image

Knockdown (KD) frame: arrives in pieces and is assembled in the field
Welded frame: assembled and welded at the factory, shipped with temporary spreader bars
Slip-on drywall frame: frame that slips over a gypsum board wall edge
Anchor: strap or wire device that ties the frame to the wall
Throat: the frame dimension across the wall thickness
Sidelight and transom: glazed or paneled openings beside and over a door
Mullion: vertical member between two openings
Level 1 to 4: SDI performance levels for doors and frames

Standards

Steel frames (ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023, SDI-100)

Level 1 frames 0.042 in. (18 gauge); Levels 2 and 3 frames 0.053 in. (16 gauge); Level 4 frames 0.067 in. (14 gauge); decimal thickness governs, gauge is reference only
Knockdown frames are the default; welded frames are face welded unless otherwise specified
Frames other than slip-on drywall types have at least three anchors per jamb, 0.042 in. thick or 0.167 in. wire, with an extra anchor over 7 ft 6 in.
Base anchors at least 0.042 in. thick
Frames are covered for doors, transoms, sidelights, and mullions

ANSI/SDI A250.11: erection of steel frames for masonry, steel stud, and wood stud walls
SDI 117: manufacturing tolerances for standard steel doors and frames
HMMA 840: storage and installation of hollow metal doors and frames

Materials

Formed steel: most commercial and institutional openings
Aluminum: storefront and entrance frames, covered in the storefront note

Detailing

Pick KD or welded frames by wall type and schedule; welded frames suit masonry
Specify the SDI level to match the door and expected use
Anchor each jamb, base, and head to the wall type listed in A250.11
Coordinate the throat with wall thickness and finishes
Keep fire-rated frames labeled and installed to the listing
Grout masonry frames only as the manufacturer and listing allow

Uses

Specific uses

Commercial, school, and hospital doors
Fire-rated openings
Sidelight and transom assemblies
Masonry, drywall, and concrete openings

Pros and cons

Pros

Strong support for heavy doors
Standard levels simplify specification
KD frames ship in pieces for field assembly

Cons

Poor anchoring or grouting causes twisted or sagging frames
Heavier levels cost more

Manufacturing and cost

Construction

Frames are formed from steel, cut and mitered, and welded or packaged as knockdown parts, with hardware preps and anchors added

Main manufacturers and suppliers

Trade association: Steel Door Institute.

Sources

Steel Door Institute: ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023, https://steeldoor.org/ansi-250-8/
Steel Door Institute: ANSI/SDI A250.11, https://steeldoor.org/ansi-250-11/
Steel Door Institute: SDI 117 manufacturing tolerances, https://steeldoor.org/sdi-117/
Steel Door Institute: steel doors and frames 101, https://steeldoor.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Steel-Doors-and-Frames-101.pptx.pdf