How to cut an interior door to length

What interior doors can be trimmed for height. How to properly trim an interior door leaf

If you had to trim the door after installing the hinges, it means that you incorrectly determined the dimensions of the box relative to the leaf, or made a mistake with the hinges. In the latter case, it is more correct to correct the error. Before installing the door on the hinges, make sure that the dimensions of the leaf is shorter than the clearance of the box by about 10 millimeters and narrower by 4-5 mm, and that the lines of the leaf and the dowels are parallel. At the same time you can make sure that the vertical frame pillar on the side of the hinges is perfectly flat. it is very important.

Sometimes the question arises. how to shorten the door after the previously unintended installation of laminate or parquet. The network is full of descriptions of how dashing installers manage this operation with a coping circular saw. We recommend that you by no means follow such advice. If you can allow such an operation in relation to the door of Fiberboard, the veneer of precious wood will most likely be spoiled. The difficulty is that even the smallest teeth of the saw will tear particles of veneer, forming chips and breaks, it is impossible to fix such a defect.

Nevertheless, it is possible to accurately trim doors in height. In Runet, it is advised to do this with a powerful hand-held electric planer and a guide ruler. The method is real, but you will swallow a lot of dust, and the figured trim does not always allow you to reliably fasten the ruler. It is easier to do it with the electric planer, because professional door assembly can’t do without it. In particular, a competent carpenter with an electric planer forms a slightly different angle from 90° on the vertical part of the leaf, facing the hinges, and open towards the doorstop. As a result, the hinges in the closed state is also slightly open, which removes all the tension between the box and the leaf.

Before trimming, you should remove the leaf from the hinges and glue on both sides of the bottom of the door with masking tape. This is also done in the case of performing the operation with a cutter. the tape will prevent chipping and protect the lacquer from scratches possible in contact with the platform of the tool.

Before you trim the doors with the electric planer, use a pencil to mark the trimmer’s line on the painter’s tape to guide you. Do not bring the planer to the opposite face, so as not to chip it, remove layer by layer from both sides of the leaf. Try to install the door on the hinges, not yet reaching the pencil mark. by cutting off the excess, you will have to put up with too much lower gap.

The best solution is to entrust the work to a craftsman from a reputable company. Attention to your problem combined with professional skills will guarantee a successful result.

How to properly trim an interior door

Every person, when buying a door, hopes that it will not have to be repaired for a very long time. For this, many people order doors from professionals to be sure of their quality. But in life there is nothing everlasting, and the repair in the apartment is an unavoidable action. After you install linoleum or laminate on the floor, an interior door, by definition, will not close and open, since the height of the floor has increased. So you will need to trim the door so that it opens freely and does not creak. If you leave the solution to this problem for later, you can simply spoil the door. And do not forget that the purchase of a new model will not be cheap, because now no one has extra money.

You want to saw off the door from the bottom with your own hands, for this you will need a circular saw. You can use it to shorten doors without even removing them from their hinges. The first thing you need to do is to make accurate measurements, so as not to cut unnecessary things off, then calm down, so as not to shake your hand, and start to act. Remember that the gap between the floor and the door should be more than five millimeters. In this case, the door will look like a “fusion” and no one from the family and friends will not see any extraneous intervention. The door can also be shortened by using a hand router. In this case, the door will have to be removed from its hinges. Then it will need to be put on a flat surface and well fixed with the help of clamps, pressing them on top of a wooden bar, which should be evenly aligned. It will serve as a guide for the router. It must be set so that the cutter removes the wood at exactly the same distance as planned. no more, no less.

As you have already understood, with the cutter you will have to suffer. And it will take you more time than the first option of trimming the door. You will have to make several approaches, gradually penetrating into the leaf. But do not forget that this method is more reliable and you will be easier to avoid irreparable errors. Experiment, try to achieve everything on their own, but do not forget that your actions should be carried out within reason.

Every person buying a door, hoping that it will not have to repair it for a very long time. For this, many people order doors from professionals, to be sure of their quality. But nothing in life is everlasting, and the repair in the apartment is an unavoidable action. After you install linoleum or laminate flooring, the interior door, by definition, will not close and open properly, since the height of the floor has increased. So you will need to trim the door to open freely, and did not squeak. If you leave the solution to this problem for later, you can just simply spoil the door. And do not forget that the purchase of a new model will not be cheap, because now no one has extra money.

If you want to saw off the door from underneath yourself, you will need a circular saw. With its help, you can shorten the door, even without taking it off the hinges. The first thing you need to do is to make accurate measurements, so as not to cut off too much, then calm down so that your hand does not shake, and start to act. Remember that the gap between the floor and the door should be more than five millimeters. In this case, the door will look like “fit in” and no one from the family and friends will not see any extraneous intervention. You can also shorten the door with a hand router. In this case the door will have to be removed from its hinges. Then it will need to be put on a flat surface and well secured with the help of clamps, pressing them on top of a wooden bar, which should be evenly aligned. It will serve as a guide for the router. It must be set so that the cutter will remove the wood at exactly the same distance as planned. no more, no less.

Where/how to trim a door panel neatly?

You will have to make several approaches, gradually going deeper into the canvas. But do not forget that this method is more reliable and you will be easier to avoid irreparable errors. Experiment, try to achieve everything on your own, but do not forget that your actions should be carried out within reason.

Few craftsmen know exactly how to correctly shorten the door, as this requires certain skills, and, of course, experience. After all, to damage the door. it is a minute thing, and to fix. it is difficult and tedious process. Of course, the most ideal option is to turn to professionals who have the necessary knowledge and tools for this “operation. Today you can get confused in the variety of firms that offer these services, and even more so to understand which of them is the best and most profitable option for you. But you should not despair, you just need to know a few rules:

• Do not apply to a company that has recently announced itself, but writes in the information that exists in the market for decades. In this case, the shortening of interior doors may end up buying new ones.
• If you decide to save money, you should not order the services of private companies, it is better to use government proposals for repairs. So you will save a certain amount of money, and you will be happy with the result.
• In order to find a low-cost company, you should first compare the of the services offered. After that, you can safely order a handyman.
• Once the master has crossed the threshold of your home, once again specify a price for his services. If they will be higher, you can immediately call his company, and once again clarify the terms of the deal.

Tips of professionals

Solid wood or fiberboard can be cut from the bottom, if it does not have panels or their imitation. If you have a symmetrical decor, it is better to trim from both sides, dividing the size of the cut part by 2. These measurements are taken from each edge without affecting the symmetry of the upper and lower panels. The same happens if you need to reduce the standard width of the door leaf.

The frame hollow-core doors must not be shortened too much. The product consists of wooden planks of limited thickness. When performing the works it is necessary to leave not less than 1-1,5 cm of the frame bar inside the leaf. You can shorten the door as indicated for a construction with paneling. top and bottom.

When trying to install a standard door into a small opening, the frame mouldings are shortened according to the measurements and fixed in the opening. Sash dimensions will have to be adjusted according to the technology described above.

The solid wood leaf sometimes swells because of excessive moisture and does not fit well into the frame. You can eliminate such a problem with a planer or a grinder (a hand router). Remove the blade, put it on the workbench and process its edge with a cutting tool, removing a few millimeters of shavings from the desired side. Hang the door and try it out. If the problem persists, repeat the treatment.

To get a clean cut of the solid wood using a circular saw you need a disk with lots of fine teeth. But even with this condition, it will not be possible to cut a veneer product properly. For the fiberboard door leaf, it is better to use an electric jigsaw, and the work should be done in a way that protects the veneer layer (applying scotch tape, cutting through the veneer).

If it is possible to use a hand router, then you should choose only it for work. The tool will perform an even and clear cut, and the cutting trimmer line will not have to be processed additionally, neither on a solid product, nor on a wood-fiber board or frame model.

To properly glue the edge tape, use PVA glue and an iron. The glue layer should be applied to the saw cut of the cloth, let it dry. Tape to the edge of the door and iron through the paper with a hot iron. After cooling, cut off the excess tape with a sharp knife, and slightly wipe the edges with sandpaper.

What you need for trimming the height of the interior door?

To learn how to trim an interior door from below with your own hands, you should prepare the necessary tools as:

• Angle (ruler). The length of this tool depends on the quality of the trimming.
• Clamps to ensure a good hold on the blade. When doing the work, you will have to make sure that the clamp is held as stable as possible. A slight shift can ruin the entire job.
• Knife. This product perfectly removes the veneer. You need to use a thin and sharp tool.
• Sanders. If the veneer is painted, you need to sand it. To do this, you will need this tool.
• PVA glue. This tool is needed to secure the veneer.
• Planer (circular saw). Using this tool it is possible to trim the door leaf as accurately as possible.

What we will need for trimming the height of the interior door?

To learn how to trim an interior door from below with your own hands, you should prepare the necessary tools in quality:

• Square (ruler). The length of the tool determines the quality of the cut.
• Clamps to ensure a good fixation of the blade. When doing the work, you will have to make sure that the clamp is held as stable as possible. With a slight shift, you can ruin the entire job.
• Knife. This product is excellent for removing veneer. A thin and sharp tool must be used.
• Sandpaper. If the veneer is lacquered, you will have to make a cleaning. You will need this tool.
• PVA glue. You will need this tool for fixing the veneer.
• Planer (circular saw). With the help of this tool it is possible to make the most accurate trimming of the door leaf.

Are all wooden doors suitable for trimming?

This issue is no less relevant than the technology of the work. All wood-based materials can be trimmed. over, this should be done if the opening is difficult to open, and it requires effort. Among the most used wood species are the following:

Natural material serves the owners well and is easily trimmed with the above mentioned techniques. Back to all news

Trimming is carried out along the bottom with a planer or router. We have the most affordable for trimming veneered doors with glass to the desired height!

This is mainly the case, but sometimes there are cases where it is necessary to trim the door, this happens when the owner decides that laying parquet or laminate will be a great option. Installing any flooring means changing the floor level. And at this time comes the most difficult moment, because few professionals know how to trim the door to avoid serious damage and do not spoil the appearance of the door.

Trimming the door from the bottom, along the height, Fiberboard.

What interior doors can be cut?

In order to avoid this it is recommended to address only to the checked up professionals with rich experience. You can find such specialists in our firm by calling us or visiting our website and filling out an application. For all types of work we provide a mandatory warranty. Our masters use only professional tools in the process of work.

All work required is completed in one go and as quickly as possible. 2. Consistently high quality of service. 3. Guarantee on all kinds of work performed.

How to correctly trim an interior door

If you have had to trim the door after installing the hinges, it means that you have defined the dimensions of the box relative to the leaf, or mistakenly with the hinges.

Insert card hinges

The hinges that lift the door slightly when the door is opening are advantageous in that they provide independent closing under their own weight and prevent the bottom end of the door leaf rubbing against the carpeting. What is especially important if you have an expensive carpet with a high pile.

These hinges have two parts. the bottom card with a fixed pivot, which is mounted directly on the door frame and the doorframe card. They differ from standard hinges by the inclined plane of contact of their joints.

The hinge is fixed with a card to the door and put on a fixed axle. Mortise hinges, like standard hinges, can also be left and right (how to distinguish I wrote in this article). Countersinking the holes on the fixed-axis hinge card helps to figure out where the door will open.

Removing a part of the door leaf: planer, router, saw

Trimming a veneered interior door is done using a planer, router or circular saw. This tool can be used to carefully execute the work. The only drawback is the possible unevenness of the surface. If you use a circular saw, then you need to have some skills. Cutting the interior door should be done with a circular saw with hard-alloy teeth. If you want to make a clean cut you need a disk with lots of teeth. To carry out the work with a hand router, it is necessary to perform all operations with the utmost care. This tool leaves fewer chips.

If there are difficulties that do not allow the door to open freely, this is an excuse to trim it. This happens in a number of cases:

• after the installation of floor coverings;
• After the use of self-levelling flooring;
• In the case of deformation (when the wood has sagged or swollen).

The above factors are the most common indications for this procedure.

Removing part of the door leaf: planer, router, saw

Trimming a veneered interior door is carried out using a planer, router or circular saw. With this tool you can accurately perform the work. The only only disadvantage is obtaining possible irregularities on the surface. If you use a circular saw, then you need to have certain skills. Interior doors should be cut with a circular saw blade with tungsten carbide teeth. If a clean cut is to be made, then a disk with more teeth is required. To work with a hand router, it is necessary to perform all operations with the utmost care. This tool leaves fewer chips.

If there are difficulties that do not allow the door to open freely, this is an excuse to undercut it. This happens in a number of cases:

• after the flooring has been laid;
• After using a self-levelling coating;
• In the case of warping (if the wood is sagging or swollen).

The aforementioned factors are the most common indications for this procedure.

Gluing the veneer to the treated door

Although the procedure is uncomplicated, some skills should be mastered. The veneer can be glued to the treated door in several ways.

Cold contact method

It is considered the most difficult way to glue wood to the treated surface. Implies the use of contact glue. The difficulty lies in the fact that the bonding compound sets quickly. Because of this, it will be extremely difficult to correct inaccuracies in the misalignment of the mating surfaces.

To make the gluing secure, you need to create a strong pressure during the first seconds of contact (press with your hand or a weight). Experts do not recommend using for gluing large planes.

Hot gluing

A layer of adhesive is applied to the adhered surfaces and must take a certain amount of time to dry. After that, it is necessary to attach the veneer sheet exactly to the dimensions. Using an iron, the sheet begins to smooth from the center to the edges. The adhesive melts and glues the two materials when exposed to heat. For the contact method of hot bonding to work, you must use a thick consistency of adhesive. To prevent the glue from drying too quickly when using an iron, you need to moisten the veneer surface with warm water. Punctures or gouges must be made in places where there are bulges, to allow the air to escape.

Cold bonding with pressing

The classical way of gluing, which requires the fixation of clamps on the glued surfaces. The curing time is written on the packaging of the material used. After the drying time it is necessary to remove the clamps and check the condition of the door ends.

Useful tips and tricks

• When using the veneer of expensive wood species (oak, ash) it is required to put a layer of cotton cloth on the cloth.
• Grind the new surface only along the fibers with sandpaper.
• Since the new coating is highly absorbent to water, immediately after gluing it should be covered with a layer of varnish.
• Using an iron you must constantly move it on the work surface. It is forbidden to keep the heated metal surface in one place. If you get scorch marks, you need to remove the blackness with a sharp knife or blade.
• To secure a long strip of veneer on an edge, you need to secure one of the edges with an iron or a construction dryer. The soldering iron is good for fixing edges and corners.
• Covering radius doors should be entrusted to the cladding of old furniture.
• Unusually look docked panels of veneer from different species of wood.
• On the ends, located at the bottom and top of the sheet, it is required to cut 2 mm chamfers on both sides. The sash will not cling to the box after gluing the new wooden covering.
• When cutting the sheet with a knife, it is recommended to do it across the fibers. If the sheet is cut lengthwise, you must make several strokes with the blade. Otherwise the cutting part of the knife will slip and spoil the sheet.

Following the elementary rules, you can carry out the work without difficulty.

Instructions for doing it yourself

Before carrying out the work, the canvas is removed from the hinges and prepared, removing handles and other fittings from it. The door can be cut on the workbench, but if it is not available, a large, stable table will do.

If the solid wood leaf needs to fit into the opening due to sagging or elevation of the floor, it is best to trim the door from below. Take 2 height measurements: at the hinge part and at the door jamb. Transfer the measurements to the leaf, setting aside the new measurements from the upper edge. Draw a straight line for the trimmer through 2 points. It is advisable to use a long ruler and a square to control the right angles between the edges.

Attach the guide rail according to the markings. If using a power tool, it is better to use a metal strip or ruler. If you cut the door with a hand wood hacksaw, a guide made of straight slats will work. Using clamps, hold the template against the panel above the marks.

To preserve the lacquer and veneer layer on the polished door, grind it with an angle grinder. The tool blade will leave a cut with straight edges that cannot be made with a saw. Lead the angle grinder should be on the guiding block. Before finishing, stick a tape on the line of the marking and transfer the straight edge to its surface.

If there is no angle grinder, the lacquer coating on the part to be removed is removed with an emery cloth, and the veneer is cut through with a sharp knife on both planes of the cloth and on its edge parts. Then the door can be sawn off along the guide rail.

Remove the clamps and rub the edges of the file with emery paper. On the veneered door it is necessary to glue the edge banding, matching its shade to the veneer. If the solid cloth is painted, the cut should be covered with paint or varnish. Hinge the door leaf onto the frame, remove warping and attach the removed hardware.

The same sequence of operations is followed for the replacement of the leaf: the standard dimensions of the new product can be changed in height and width. When performing the work, take into account what the product is made of.

The solid wood or fiberboard panel can be cut from the bottom, if it does not have panels or their imitations. If you have a symmetrical décor, it is better to cut from two sides, dividing the size of the cut part by 2. These measures are indented from each edge without disturbing the symmetry of the top and bottom panels. The same is done, if it is necessary to reduce the standard width of the door leaf.

Do not shorten hollow-core frames by too much. The product consists of wooden bars of limited thickness. Leave at least 1-1.5 cm of the frame timber inside the leaf when carrying out the work. The door can be shortened, as indicated for a construction with panels. at the top and bottom.

When trying to install a standard door into a small opening, the frame mouldings are shortened according to the measurements and fixed in the opening. The size of the sash will have to be adjusted according to the technology described above.

The solid wood leaf sometimes swells up due to excessive moisture and does not fit well into the frame. Eliminate such a problem with a planer or grinder (hand router). Remove the board, put it on the workbench and process its edge with a cutting tool, removing a few millimeters of shavings from the desired side. Hang the door and try it out. If the problem persists, repeat the job.

To get a smooth cut of the solid when using a circular saw, you will need a disk with a lot of small teeth. But even with this condition it will not be possible to cut the veneer qualitatively. For fiberboard blades it is better to use an electric jigsaw, and work with the rules that protect the veneer layer (taping, cutting through the veneer).

If it is possible to use a hand router, then you should choose only it for work. The tool will perform an even and clear cut, and the trimmer line of the cut will not have to be processed additionally, neither on a solid product, nor on a wood-fiber board or frame model.

Use PVA glue and an iron to properly glue the edge tape. The adhesive layer should be applied to the saw cut of the cloth, let it dry. Place the tape on the edge of the door and iron over the paper with a hot iron. After it has cooled down, cut off the excess tape with a sharp knife and lightly rub the edges with emery paper.

If you decide to install a gas boiler, all the requirements for this in the room must be met. In particular, the gas service will not connect the gas, if the room where the boiler is located, not made the necessary minimum clearance between the door and the floor, which provides for natural air circulation.

How to trim an interior door

In fact, it is not as difficult as it seems at first sight. Theoretically, the door can be cut without removing the hinges, but it is not the most convenient way.

When you cut horizontally, taking into account the uncomfortable position of the hands when sawing, the hacksaw will begin to walk on the blade and the cut will not turn out even. So it is best to remove the doors, but before you do that, you need to see what gap already exists, and whether it is even.

It happens that the door is set flat, and the floor is not quite horizontal, which creates a wedge-shaped gap, and it does not look very beautiful. So, if the gap is uneven, you can solve this problem at the same time. Then we take a tape measure and mark on each side the required distance from the floor.

You can cut almost any hinge. The only exception is the door with glass inserts. you can cut them too, but it is much more difficult. If you have a regular one, it will not be a problem.

The hinges, by means of which the door is held in the box, also can be different. If the door is old, it will be enough to open the door at 90 degrees, and using the crow bar underneath it. If the hinges are fastened with screws, you need to screw them out with an electric screwdriver, but before putting wedges under the door, otherwise you can ruin the box.

Cut off the extra 5mm at the bottom of the door router!

As you have already understood, you will not have to agonize for a long time with the cutter. Yes, and it will take this process a little more time than the first option of trimming the door. You will have to make several approaches, while gradually going deeper into the canvas. But do not forget that this method is more reliable and you will be easier to avoid irreparable errors. Experiment, try to achieve everything on your own, but do not forget that your actions must be within reason.

Every professional craftsman knows exactly how to properly reduce the height of the door, because this requires certain skills, and, of course, experience. After all, to damage the door. it is a minute matter, and to fix. it is difficult and long process. Of course the most ideal option is to contact the professionals by phone 7 967 008 11 18. Our masters have the necessary knowledge and tools for this “operation. Today you can get confused in the variety of firms that offer these services, and even more to understand which of them is the best and most profitable option for you. But you should not despair, you just need to know a few rules:

Tips from the professionals

The solid or composite fiberboard panel may be trimmed from below if it does not have paneling or its imitation. If the decor is symmetrical, it is better to cut from two sides, dividing the cut part by two. These measures are indented from each edge, without disturbing the symmetry of the upper and lower panels. The same is done if the standard width of the door leaf needs to be reduced.

Frame hollow-core doors must not be shortened too much. The product consists of wooden bars with a limited thickness. When performing the work, it is necessary to leave at least 1-1.5 cm of framing bar inside the leaf. You can shorten the door, as indicated for a construction with panels. from the top and bottom.

When trying to install a standard door in a small opening moldings frame materials are shortened by measure and fastened in the opening. The size of the leaf will have to be adjusted according to the above described technology.

Solid wood door leaf sometimes swells up because of too much moisture and does not fit well into the frame. To solve this problem it is possible to use a planer or a grinder (a hand router). Remove the canvas, put it on the workbench and process its edge with a cutting tool, removing a few millimeters of shavings from the desired side. Hang the door and try it out. If the problem is not eliminated, repeat the treatment.

To get an even cut of solid wood when using a circular saw, you will need a disk with a lot of small teeth. But even with this condition it will not be possible to cut a veneer piece qualitatively. For the fiberboard leaf it is better to use an electric jigsaw, and work with the rules that protect the veneer layer (gluing the adhesive tape, cutting through the veneer).

If there is an opportunity to use a manual milling machine, then you should choose to work only with it. The tool will perform an even and clear cut, and the cutting trimmer line will not have to be processed additionally on a solid product, or on a wood-fiber board or frame model.

Use PVA glue and an iron to properly glue the edge tape. It is necessary to put a glue layer on the saw cut of the leaf and let it dry. Put the tape on the edge of the door and iron through the paper with a hot iron. After cooling, cut off the excess tape with a sharp knife, and wipe the edges lightly with sandpaper.

Block: 4/4 | Number of characters: 2187

Shorten the door

The bottom part of the door leaf consists of a solid wooden bar, taking into consideration the possibility of trimming. But usually, it’s not wide enough to be trimmed. That’s why we need the 30x30mm timber we prepared., to cover the cavity after shortening. We prepare the necessary bar with a hacksaw, adjust its thickness with a planer and mount it with glue.

When cutting the door leaf of a panel or panel door with glass inserts, it is necessary to remember about the proportions of all its components (the size ratio of all parts and the whole between itself). If we make a big change in the size of the bottom of the door, we might not be able to achieve the harmony of the door. And the door itself and the entire interior will be completely different.

So we need to consider the possibility of cutting the leaf on both sides, both up and down.

In the same way as described above it is possible to change the size of the door in width.

But I wouldn’t do this, because it would be hard to cut it 2 meters long with the tool we have, and all the imperfections would be very visible. Such work is better to do on special machines and trust it to professionals.

And we can, if necessary, try to resize the door opening.

In general, we see that it is quite realistic to change the size of the door, if necessary, at home.

Get to work, you are sure to succeed.

Gluing the veneer to the treated door

Despite the apparent simplicity, this step has its own subtleties. Is it possible to glue veneer or furniture tape without knowing them?? You can, but you can not guarantee the quality and durability of such work.

Before gluing be sure to degrease the surface. After that a coat of PVA for wood is applied to the door. Wait until the glue is completely dry. Do not attach veneer or tape to fresh glue.

The door is ready for gluing

Then a sheet of veneer or tape is applied to the cut. Run a hot iron across the entire sheet of paper (turn the control knob to the middle position). As you go along, remove the glue that is projecting and make sure no scorch marks appear on the veneer.

Important note: If a new sheet is used, it must be cut so that the edges protrude slightly. They can be trimmed after the final drying.

Block: 5/5 | Number of characters: 882

How to trim a door video

Number of blocks: 10 | Total number of characters: 11309Number of donors used: 3Information on each donor: