Hi,
How can I fix this rotten door jamb. Any quick fixes? If not how do i buy and install the jamb with same dimensions?
Hi @bijoy,
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.
First thing you’ll want to do is work out how far the rot actually goes so you can decide the best course of action. Grab a screwdriver or something similar and start poking into the timber around the affected area. If it sinks in easily or feels soft, that timber has rotted and will need to be removed. Keep going until you hit solid wood, that’s your cutoff point.
If it turns out the rot is relatively localised, you can get away with a repair. Clean out all the soft material, let it dry right out, then use a wood hardener such as https://www.bunnings.com.au/earl-s-250ml-wood-hardener_p1585306 to stabilise what’s left. After that, build it back up with https://www.bunnings.com.au/turbo-500ml-builder-s-bog_p1212026 , sand it, then prime and paint.
From the photo though, it looks pretty widespread, so a proper replacement is almost certainly the better long-term fix. You can either replace just that section by scarfing in a new piece or swap the whole jamb if it’s too far gone. If you are putting in a new piece, you’d cut out the damaged section back to solid timber using a multitool. Then cut your jamb material to shape and length, then screw it in place, apply filler to cover the screws, then prime and paint.
If you are replacing the whole jamb, you'll need to remove the architrave on the outside face of the wall, then unscrew and remove the door from the jamb before prying the jamb off of the framing. There is a good chance that the jamb is connected to the header (piece at the top of the opening), which will then connect to the latch side of the door jamb. If this is the case, then you will have to remove the whole jamb from all 3 sides of the opening as they will be nailed together.
Once off, measure the profile of the timber to select a replacement. This https://www.bunnings.com.au/112-x-18mm-flat-loose-primed-fj-pine-stop-door-jamb-set_p2036349 is a common profile which is likely similar to what you have. When you have selected your material, you will need to carefully cut it to size, taking into account any variations in the floor and then install it ensuring everything is plumb and level.
After installation of the jamb, reinstate the architraves, fill any fixing holes, caulk the seams, cut new rebates for the hinges, then reinstall the door then prime and paint everything.
The reality is, replacing a door jamb, especially on an existing opening is quite an involved process, so if you aren't confident and you need to replace it, it might be best to contact a carpenter for their assistance. If you are in the Sydney area, you can use our https://www.bunnings.com.au/services/in-home/services-marketplace to find a trade near you to assist.
Check out https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/home-improvement/doors-windows/how-to-install-a-door-jamb for a bit of guidance on the installation of your jamb so you can assess whether you're happy to give it a crack.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Jacob
