Frame Assemblies



There are three basic types of frame assemblies:

  • Field assembled knock down frame: The 3 components of the frame (header, strike jamb and hinge jamb) are assembled on the jobsite, usually after the wall is up.

  • Face welded frame only: The 3 components of the frame are face welded only. The frame is usually installed before the wall is up, which allows better anchoring to the wall and the floor.

  • Fully continuously welded frame: The 3 components of the frame are fully continuously welded from face to face, including the rabbets, the stop and the soffit. The frame is usually installed before the wall is  up, which allows better anchoring to the wall and the floor.



Knock down frames are widely used in the industry. They are convenient for the manufacturer because they are easy to ship in bundles. They are convenient for the stocking distributors because they are easy to stock on shelves. They are convenient for the contractor because they can be installed after the wall is up. But unfortunately, they are not always the best product for the end user. Knock down frames usually come with  minimal anchoring between the frame and the wall, which compromises the lifetime and the security of the door opening.

Welded frames, either face welded or fully continuously welded, offer an excellent anchoring system for the benefit of the owner of the building. Welded frames are available in 3 weeks' lead time and the additional cost is minimal for a galvannealed frame.

Products & Solutions:


de La Fontaine Industries offers the following options:








Field assembled knock down frame.

Info: Frame components mechanically attached (tabs or screws).
Application: For installation after the wall is up.
Benefits: Jobsite scheduling, available fire-rated.
Limitation: Minimal anchoring.
Comment: Should be considered carefully.





Frame face welded only.

Info: Welds must be primed with a rust inhibitive primer.
Application: Standard application.
Benefit: Excellent anchoring.
Limitation: Usually installed before the wall is  up. Exception: existing masonry openings, see anchoring section or page FS.50.3 in the architectural binder.
Comment: Some manufacturers offer a 3-week lead time.





Fully continuously welded frame.

Info: Welds must be primed with a rust inhibitive primer.
Application: Standard application.
Benefit: Excellent anchoring.
Limitation: Usually installed before the wall is up. Exception: existing masonry openings, see anchoring section or page FS.50.3 in the architectural binder.
Comment: Some manufacturers offer a 3-week lead time.


Fully continuously welded frame with sanitary weld.

Info: Fully continuously welded on door opening side (exposed side).
Recommended applications: Clean rooms (sterile), food processing, chemical plants.
Benefit: Prevents germs from developing in the seam between the jambs and the header.
Limitation: Longer lead time requirement (5-6 weeks). Must be installed before the wall is up.
Comment: Higher price: approximately 13 times more expensive than a continuous weld.
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