Assemble the head and legs first, position the lining in the opening, then pack and fix it square and plumb before hanging the door. Do not force the lining to follow an opening that is out of square.
1. Choose the lining depth before you assemble it
Measure the finished wall thickness. The lining should finish close to the wall face so the architrave can cover the joint neatly. See our Door Lining Sizes guide if the wall falls between two stocked depths.
2. Use the correct side of the reversible head
Our lining kits are machined for either a 762mm (2'6") or 838mm (2'9") door. Choose the matching trench in the head, then fix the two uprights to it and brace the assembly temporarily if that makes handling easier.
3. Stand the lining in the opening and pack it rather than twisting it
Use packers between the lining and wall or studwork. Start with the hinge side, get it plumb, then work across the head and latch side. The opening itself does not need to be perfect; the lining does.
4. Check the width, diagonals and straightness as you fix
Fix through the packed points so tightening the fixing does not pull the lining out of shape. Keep checking that both legs stay straight, the head stays level and the opening remains square enough for the door.
5. Hang the door before permanently positioning the loose stops
Once the door is hung and adjusted, close it into the frame and set the loose stops to the actual door position. This gives a cleaner, more even contact than guessing the stop position before the door is fitted.
6. Architrave hides the fitting joint
The gap between the structural opening and lining is normally covered by architrave. Pack and fix the lining properly first; the trim is there to finish the joint, not to straighten the frame.
Shop the Softwood Door Lining Kit or the Redwood Fire Door Lining Set.
