Help!! How much can I cut from an exterior wooden entry door?

Question

I have to remove 4" from this door to make it fit the opening. How much can be cut, top and bottom, without breaking into the door's core?

It's hollow core exterior. I can't change the frame due to a drop ceiling and was unable to find an exterior door shorter than 80" anywhere.

Answer 1

Exterior doors are not hollow. What you have is an interior door that you are trying to make exterior. This door will not be secure and will be prone to buckling.

You should use a solid core door. The easiest way would be to special order the door to the correct width and height. Most home supply stores (Home Depot, etc.) can special order the door. You can then trim up to an inch or so off the bottom if necessary.

Answer 2

Is it hardwood or softwood? You can either use an exterior varnish, 2 or 3 coats. The first coat must be overthinnned so it soaks into the wood. You can use normal exterior wood paints, one primer, one undercoat and one gloss. The primer must be overthinned so it soaks into the wood. If your new door is hardwood then varnish will adhere the best. You could stain the door before varnishing and apply clear varnish or you could apply a varnish with a stain already in it or you could just put clear varnish on.

Answer 3

if your exterior door is hollow core , replace with solid core . even then the door will need to be cut down and reailed , then resealed . it's not difficult but better left to millwork shop or carpenter w/ experience . you could also rerail your hollow core but whats the point . it must be very cold

Answer 4

I assume from your question that the door is "interior" and is "molded" rather than solid pine. In all likelihood, the top and bottom pine rails will be 1" or less thick and in some cases, only 1/2". Manufacturers usually allow for max 1/4" to be cut. Therefor, you should return the doors in exchange for ones more closely meeting your need (remember to allow for air and carpet space on the bottom when you measure).

Answer 5

I didn't think hollow core doors could be installed as exterior doors, due to fire issues. Besides, they aren't very secure either.

Answer 6

If you are planning to start on your woodworking project, this isn't something you should use, it's something that you would be insane not to. Go here https://tr.im/OGmpl
Truth is, I've been a carpenter for almost 36 years, and I haven't found anything like this for less than 10's of thousands of dollars.

Answer 7

depends if door is solid core or hollow core.