Fred wrote:
Hello,

I am needing to construct a door frame for a 7'x7' garage door. Any
pointers on how to make the strongest best frame possible?

The timber merchant advised me to use 3"x3" wood and to treat it
myself. He said anything bigger would be too big and heavy. Do you
agree?

3" x 3" would be Ok but I would tend to use 4" x 2" - presuming that you are
using timber doors. If you are using prefabricated up-and-over doors, then
you can adjust the frame thickness to accomadate different sized doors and
opening.

Is any treatment better than any other?

You can use Vac-Vac treated or tanalised timber for the frame as both can be
painted.

Another merchant said not to take the frame to ground level so it does
not get damp, but I'm not sure that I can do this; after all, if I
leave a gap, doesn't that give thieves a point to insert a crow bar?

Leave a 3/4" gap between the frame and floor - it stops the end grain
'sucking' up rain water.

There is no security risk here.

How do I make a suitable mortise? is it time to buy a router? How deep
should the mortise be?

Don't bother forking out for a router - inmy opinion it is next to useless
for a job like this.

I would use a haunched mortise and tenon joint - as opposed to a plain one.
See the following tinypic links for an idea of the construction:

Plain M/T - http://i13.tinypic.com/81qf19h.jpg

Haunched M/T - http://i8.tinypic.com/7xbjleo.jpg

Tools required:

Drill and bit of the correct size.
A couple of chisels:
Hammer:
Saw.
Set Square.
Mortice gauge (optional as this can be set out with a sliding set square).
Bench or workmate.
A bit of patience.

What frame fixings shall I use: are some more secure than others?

Simple wall plugs and screws - of the correct size.

Hope this gives you some idea Fred.


Brian G