The method for intra frame prediction allows for the recovery of some intra directional modes that are otherwise rendered useless due to the classical padding process. Directional modes are recovered by filling pixel locations in the prediction unit with samples from the portion of the unit that is determined to have samples available for use using a counterpart directional mode to the one that is useless. When it is determined that reference samples are missing for a particular prediction unit or portion thereof given a particular directional mode, a determination is made about whether reference samples along another portion of the prediction unit are available. The other portion is the side of the prediction unit at an opposite end of the particular directional mode. When it is determined that such reference samples are available, it is possible to extend the number of intra directional modes by replacing the particular directional modes that are rendered useless, because of the unavailability of reference samples, with their counterpart directional modes that are oppositely directed.