Just when I thought I had come to the end of the road with possible blog topics for LockBytes, I did a quick scan and voila! I discovered we have never talked about knock down frames or welded frames. This was a shock to me because, you know, door frames are vital to any door, but it’s true. Not once have we discussed door frames in their own right.

Hinges? Sure.

Key systems? We have you covered.

Door closers? Absolutely.

Today that changes.

Today I take a stand in the name of door frames.

(In my mind, this is where I paint half my face blue and charge out into the call center declaring freedom for door frames.)

(In reality, this is where I dive into door frames on the blog.)

Knock Down Frames vs. Welded Frames – The Specifics

Knock Down Door Frames

Have you ever paid attention to the details in a door frame? Don’t feel bad if you haven’t. Before I worked here, door frames occupied .00001% of my brain space.

If you had asked me how many pieces were in a door frame two years ago I probably would have said, “Uh… one?”

And I would have been right if we were talking about welded frames, but we aren’t there just yet. Knock down frames come in three separate pieces. This not only makes these frames easier to ship, but allows for easier adjustment once the frame is installed.

Knock down door frames are held in place using compression against studs and then the bottom anchor is attached to the studs through the wall. These aspects combined with the frame being in three separate pieces, makes them more easily replaced.

On the downside, knock down frames have seams that show and screws that are visible. You might not think that’s a big deal, but if you have frames throughout your facility with highly visible seams, you might change your mind. However, a good painter can easily hide the seams and make the knock down frames appear seamless.

Welded Door Frames

Welded door frames get way more love than knock down door frames. (Unfair, in my opinion.) They’re seamless and the entire frame is smooth, which makes them more popular overall.

These guys are installed during the framing stage of a new building and they need a larger rough opening so they work. Anchors are attached to the studs to hold the frame in place, but if the frame is in a block wall, the studs are incorporated into the block.

Welded door frames are much harder to adjust, as well as replace. Plus, people are often mistaken in thinking that a welded door frame is stronger than a knock down frame. Both are equally strong.

Do you have questions about door frame options in your facility? We have several people in our ADHS Department who would be more than happy to answer any questions you have. Contact us today!