What Door Frame is Best for Your Building

When working up plans for your commercial space, you will have no shortage of important decisions to make. Every choice will affect the function and performance of your new structure.

While you have likely given ample thought to the type of doors you are going to install, you may not have considered which door frame is best for your building. There are many options on the market today, but two stand out as the most suitable for commercial construction applications. These designs are knockdown and welded door frames.

Regardless of whether you are working with drywall or block, you will have the option of either frame style. Each has its share of benefits depending on your overall project goals. CDF Distributors can provide you with either type, both of which come in multiple finish options so that you can make your dream design a reality.

Before you make your final pick, it is important to understand the differences between the two and how they will fit into your build plans.

Knock Down

Knockdown frames can be made from a variety of materials, but commercial versions are almost always manufactured from steel. They consist of three separate pieces: a hinge jamb, a strike jamb, and a head.

As the name implies, the hinge jamb is the side of the frame that the door hinges are attached to. The strike jamb is of equal height and width as the hinge jamb. It is designed to receive the striker plate and has a recess for the deadbolt. The head is the top piece of the frame that connects the two jambs.

Installation

Knockdown jambs are not assembled at the manufacturing facility. Instead, they are shipped to you in three sections. This allows your builder to install them after the stud wall has been constructed and the drywall applied. If you are using them on a block structure, they will be installed after the primary portion of the wall is complete.

Knockdown jambs are fastened into place with one of many mechanisms. This will largely depend on the style of the wall that they are being attached to. Often, the knockdown frame will have dimples on the jamb so that the contractor can secure them with screws. Block knockdown door frames will require anchors or other concrete-compatible fasteners.

Pros & Cons

The primary benefit of knockdown door frames is their flexibility. Your builders can complete wall construction before installing the door frames. They are also much easier to replace because they come out in pieces. While your new door and frame will last many years, it is never a bad idea to plan ahead.

The downside to knock-down frames is the seams. Whenever someone walks through a doorway, the seams will be easily visible. This may not seem like a big deal, but if every door in your facility has these unsightly gaps, it can detract from the overall aesthetics.

Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to overcome this problem. Opting for a darker finish helps to make the gaps far less notable. The other solution is to employ the services of a skilled painter, who can almost completely hide the gaps.

Welded

As you might have guessed, welded door frames are just that. Instead of coming in three separate pieces, they are pre-assembled and arrive as a single solid steel frame. Like knockdown frames, welded frames are available for both drywall and block applications.

Installation

Unlike knockdown frames, welded frames must be installed before the drywall is hung. When being used on a block structure, your builders have to set the frame before laying the wall. Either way, the frame is held in place with anchors. Welded anchors or snap-in anchors are typically used for stud walls while “T” anchors are utilized for masonry walls.

Pros & Cons

Contrary to popular belief, welded door frames are not significantly stronger than knockdown frames. Both types are constructed from steel, which results in relatively similar durability.

The major difference between the two is aesthetics and the installation process. Welded frames are by far the best looking of the two thanks to their seamless design. The major drawback is that they are extremely difficult to replace. Removing an old welded door frame will be much more time-consuming compared to a knockdown frame.

Regardless of which option you choose, you must partner with a quality door supplier. CDF Distributors is the team for the job. We can ship knockdown or welded door frames straight to your job site. We offer standard and rapid delivery shipping options, so you can get the materials you need when you need them.