Replacing Interior doors - What size should I order?

Question

I'm worried about 2 bedroom doors that I've ordered. The widths of my existing doors are 30 3/4 inches, and 30 1/2 inches. The guy at the hardware store suggested that I go with a 30 inch widths for the new doors, and now I'm having doubts.

The space in between the frames (which I'm keeping) appears to be exactly 30 inches wide - is it necessary to have a little extra width on either side of the door, overlapping the frame? Should I change the order to go up to the next size (32 inch width) and shave the new doors down to match the existing ones, or will I really be O.K. with the 30 inch width for the new ones?

Thanks.

Answer 1

The replacement doors should be 1/2inch smaller than the rough opening being used. firring the opening or re framing to fit replacement doors is not uncommon.

Answer 2

Interior Door Size

Answer 3

Replacing Interior Doors

Answer 4

Your hardware guy is correct in directing you to the 30" door. No extra or overlapping is recommended as you will have to cut a door down which is a task best left to a competent handyman. Keep in mind that a door needs space all around it to open and close properly even when the wood swells and contracts with seasonal/humidity changes. The strip of wood on the door frame called 'stop molding' covers gaps and prevents the door from going beyond the frame like a cafe door.
An acceptable space on the left and right of the door is 1/8" when this measurement is multiplied by 2(for both sides) you're at 2/8ths or 1/4 inch. The thickness of the stop molding is approx 1/2" and when this is multiplied by 2(for both sides) you're at 1" more than enough to cover the difference in widths you cited.

Answer 5

Since the doors are attached to one side with hinges, the gap if you used the smaller doors will show dramatically on the opposite side where the door handle and latch are fitted.

Go with the larger doors, but confirm with the store to make sure the doors' stiles are wide enough to permit cutting them down to size. You would cut an equal amount of wood off each side. (I am assuming these are hollow-core doors - the stiles are the solid wood vertical side pieces, typically extending about 1-1/2 to 2" wide inside the door.)

For the 30-3/4" door, you would remove slightly more than 5/8" from each side, including the thickness of saw blade. ([ 32 - 30.75 ] divided by 2.)

For the 30-1/2" door, remove slightly more than 3/4" from each side. "Slightly more than" is about 1/16", to allow for the door to open and close without binding.

Check the width of the door openings in several places - top, middle and bottom, because most doors jambs are close to, but not 100% square.

Best of luck and enjoy your new doors.

Answer 6

Ok, if its a "solid door" you ordered for your bedrooms, and not a "hollow door", then you can trim it.

I will assume that your quandry is, that you just "ordered the door" and not the entire frame.

So, if you know anyone with a table saw, or some one who is a wood worker, have him/her, just take a 1/8 inch off the "back" of the door-->
Thats for the 30 inch door that would be "exact" fit... (You will have to have them put in the Mortises for the hinges back in, or, they may not have them "cut in" so you will have to have them or yourself put them in, also. Remember, to "LIFT" the door a 1/8 inch to a half inch, {just so it meets the frame on top and has a small gap there for expansion and contraction}, then put some shims under there so that you can mark your new hinge joints on the door).

On the 30 3/4 inch door, you can put a "strip" on the front, and drill for the hole for the lock (since your not taking the existing lock out, the hole will still be there).

I wouldnt suggest you try to put the backer strip on the back, as it wont be enough "wood" to hold the door in place, unless you go with an entire new piece of jamb for the doorway...

Just remember to leave a 1/8 inch on the side of the door and the top of the door, so that you wont "bind" up...


I wish you well..

Jesse

Answer 7

The replacement door should fit INTO the frame, not overhang it. You are right to measure your frame gap (30inches) and the hardware guy store guy is dead right in offering you 30 inch doors. If the gap, as you say is 30", and the door at the hardware store is 30", you will need to shave 1/8 inch off each log side in any case, otherwise it will stick.

Answer 8

You want to buy a size called 2-8 meaning 2 foot 8 in=32inches

Answer 9

If they are Solid Wood Doors, you can go larger and trim to fit securely. But if the w30" measure is true, top to bottom and the h? is true, pre cut doors should work fine, hang them on the hinges and attatch them. Hollow Core doors are lighter and cheaper but function as well as solid core ones.
The 30" will work in a 30" opening so use it.

Answer 10

If the doors that you have now fit the frame get the same size. You should not have that much extra space.