French doors, Jambs, Sills etc..

Hi all.

Im just building some french doors and whilst I am ok with the actual doors was wondering if anyone has any knowledge about the frame. I have rebated my jambs and understand that the side jambs kind of rebate into the top jamb (sort of an "open" mortise). I assumed I would rebate the bottoms of the side jambs into the bottom sill but have just browsed the Australian Renovators Manual and it says that you "never" house the jambs into the sill. It suggests that you simply butt the jambs to the sill, then screw from the underside of the sill. Dont get me wrong, this approach seems a lot easier, I just wonder why this is the preffered method.

TIA

Kindest Regards

Phil

Quote:

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Originally Posted by philly

Hi all.

I assumed I would rebate the bottoms of the side jambs into the bottom sill

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Sorry.. I mean MORTISE the bottoms of the side jambs into the bottom sill

If you mortice the jambs into the sill it gives the potential for water to get in and the chance to rot the bottom of the jamb. It is advisable to use something like Tallow Wood or Kwila (Merbu) for the sill. You can usually buy sill timber already machined with a recess, a slope and a drip groove underneath to run the water off.