If your door frame is beginning to deteriorate, you are probably better off replacing it rather than attempting to repair it. Repairs only last so long, and new door frames are not particularly expensive. What you will need to consider, however, is what material you want your new door frame to be made from. There are now several options on the market, and you'll need to weigh their pros and cons to determine which is the best choice for you.

Natural Wood

Wood is the classic door frame material, and there is a good chance your current door frame is made from wood. If you have a Craftsman home or a rather rustic home and you want to maintain its current character, you will probably want to choose another wooden door frame. The downside to wood is that it is prone to rot if you are not very careful to paint or seal it regularly. Wood door frames can also develop splits, particularly if the wood is not aged properly before it is cut. Wood can also be a little expensive to purchase since the door frames are often made by hand, which is time-consuming. You can save some money by opting for a natural wood door frame and painting or staining it yourself.

Composite

Composite door frames are made from a mixture of wood fibers and a plastic-like material. They are becoming really popular among homeowners who like the wood look, but don't want to do much maintenance. Up-close, you can tell the door frame is not made from real wood, but step back a few feet, and you'll be fooled! Composite is resistant to moisture damage and does not rot, and you should not have to paint it. You can, however, paint it if you decide you want to change its color down the road. 

Vinyl

Vinyl has long been used for window frames, but more recently, window and door companies have begun making door frames from it. Vinyl does have a more modern, artificial, plastic look that not everyone likes. It looks more in-place in a modern home than in an older, more rustic one. However, it is impervious to rot, requires zero maintenance rather than regular wipe-downs with a cleaning solution, and is easy to install.

If you need help choosing the right door frame material for your needs, talk to a window and door company near you. For more information, contact local professionals or visit sites like http://www.distinctivesidingandwindow.com.