Whether you prefer the timeless warmth of wood, reliability of steel, or permanence of stone, selecting the right door frame design ensures your home stands stronger and looks better over time. In the end, it is the quiet details like these that keep a house looking beautiful for years.

We notice the shine of the door panel or the colour of paint, but rarely think about what holds it together. The frame is what keeps your door straight, secure, and aligned – no matter how many times it opens each day. Just as kitchen countertops or floors depend on the right material for durability, door frames need thoughtful selection too, because the wrong choice can affect everything.

Whether you are building a new home or renovating an old one, understanding what each door frame material brings can help you take a decision that will feel right for years.

What Shapes Your Home’s Everyday Experience

This section breaks down 4 distinct frame materials and how each performs in real homes – from the way they handle daily wear to how they influence comfort, sound, and design.

1. Solid Wood

• Hardwood frames like teak and sal can carry solid-core or carved-panel doors without creaking
• The natural density absorbs door vibration, creating a noticeable difference in noise control
• The depth of polish and precision in joinery gives the main door frame design a more substantial and premium look

Solid wooden door frames come in a range of section styles, from clean square edges for modern homes to rounded or bevelled mouldings for more classic settings. Depending on the decor palette, finishes vary from matte natural oil coats to high-gloss melamine or PU polish. In premium homes, these frames can feature hand-carved borders, curved architraves, or raised edge profiles that make the doorway look architectural rather than flat.

Cost: ₹2500-₹4000 per frame for polished teak; ₹1800-₹2200 for sal wood (7’×3’ standard size). Premium wooden door frames in mahogany or Burma teak can cost up to ₹6000, depending on the quality of carving and polish.

2. Steel

• Reinforced edges allow installation of multi-point locking systems used in homes on ground floor or independent houses
• Powder coating prevents rust, even when the frame is partly exposed to rain or irrigation splashes
• Works well for minimalist interiors with matte grey or black doors, where sharp geometry is part of the aesthetic

Steel door frames are offered in pressed, fabricated, and boxed profiles – each designed for a specific door weight. Their finishes range from powder coating in matte black, graphite, bronze, or soft grey to stainless steel variants preferred for high-end villas and coastal homes. Door frame design details – including rounded corners, shadow gaps, and concealed hinge plates – are commonly found in luxury configurations.

Cost: ₹3000-₹5000 per frame for powder-coated mild steel; ₹6000-₹8000 for stainless steel or fire-rated versions used at main entrances.

Read to know more: Aluminium Door Installation Guide: What Every Homeowner Should Watch For

3. RCC (Concrete)

• Remains intact even when the adjoining plaster cracks, as it does not separate from the wall
• Handles rough use, moisture, and accidental bumps from buckets or ladders without denting
• Colouring agents are added during casting to create a consistent tone and reduce the need for painting later

For visible entrances, the concrete main door frame design can be veneered with thin natural stone, tiled, or painted to match the surrounding walls. For minimalist aesthetic, modern interior designers specify integrated plaster grooves or flush-set frames that seamlessly merge with the wall.

Cost: ₹4000-₹7000 per frame for precast models – depending on casting quality, reinforcement, and surface finish.

Read to know more: Benefits of Installing Wooden Door Frames at Home

4. Granite

• Water splashes or mopping never stains or seeps through the frame surface or floor joints around it
• Once installed, a granite door frame does not need repainting or termite checks
• Visually ties together stone flooring and wall tiles

Granite door frames are available in both straight-cut and chamfered-edge designs, usually with polished surfaces for main entrances and matte-honed finishes for wet zones. Common stone choices include Black Galaxy and Steel Grey for a bold look, Viscount White or Colonial Cream for lighter interiors, and Rajasthan Black for understated elegance.

Cost: ₹6000-₹12,000 per frame for polished black or grey granite; ₹15,000-₹20,000 for premium stones, such as Viscount White or Galaxy variants, with chamfered edges and mirror finish.

Conclusion

By now, it is clear that the material you choose for your door frame is more than just a construction detail – it is a long-term design decision that shapes how your home feels and functions every day. From resisting humidity to complementing interior finishes, each material described in this blog contributes in its own way to comfort, longevity, and visual balance.

Read to know more: A Complete Guide to Granite Door Frame Designs and Styles

FAQs

1. What are the most durable types of door frames?

The most durable types of door frames are granite and steel, as they resist weathering, impact, and corrosion.

2. Which type of door frame is best for interior doors?

The type of door frame that is best for interior doors is solid wood, as it offers warmth, sound insulation, and refined finish.

3. What is the cost difference between various types of door frames?

The cost difference between various types of door frames is:

• Basic: RCC and WPC frames start at ₹2000 per unit
• Mid-range: Depending on the timber quality and polish, these cost between ₹2500 and ₹4000 per frame
• Premium: Based on size, finish, and thickness, the price is ₹6000-₹10,000 per frame

4. What types of door frames are best for humid or coastal areas?

The types of door frames that are best for humid or coastal areas are WPC and granite, since they do not swell, rust, or absorb water.

Read to know more: Sliding vs Hinged Aluminium Door Frames: Which Works Best?