Shorten Interior Door

Learn how to shorten a hollow interior door.

[justincantley]

Very helpful video. Just shortened my bathroom door after a new carpet install using these tips.

A couple of takeaways from my experience:
1) I used a fine tooth blade on my circular saw which gave me a really clean cut.
2) The bottom piece of the frame was only 3/4" on my door (original door from mid 50's)

[coolfixin]

There is no substitute for experience.  I have shortened at least 50 doors in my career.  Since I am a landlord,
I see the long term results of various construction techniques.  Before I knew better, I only used glue.  Later, I noticed that the bottom rails loosened and fell out.  Caulk and paint the screws as stated in the video and they are not visible.  I have attempted to reinstall the bottom rails many times without cutting the ¼” and the fit is so tight that the laminate does crack sometimes.  Also, if you don’t cut at least a 1 ½” from the bottom, you risk cutting the bottom rail.  This will cause a thinner, weaker bottom rail.  I have seen cut, thinner bottom rails which eventually break and fail.

[coolfixin]

This video strongly suggests that one never cut the bottom rail because I have frequently cut bottom rails which eventually break and fail. Previously, door manufactures provided 1 ¼” bottom rails. I found that 1” must remain after cutting.  If I cut ¼”, the door would function well.  If I cut ½”, the bottom rail would eventually break.  In September 2017, I purchased 7 doors from two different door manufacturers to rehab a house.  Now, door manufacturers provide 1” bottom rails. These rails CANNOT BE CUT.  The best construction technique is to follow this video’s instructions to avoid cutting the bottom rail. This is very important and I thank Martin Walsh for discussing this matter.

[martinwalsh]

Fine tooth blade on saw is needed and also best to use guide for a nice straight line. If the amount is only 1/4 to 1/2 inch or 5mm to 10mm no need to cut 1 and 1/4 off as the bottom rail timber is designed that way for smaller modifications. Another useful tip is to use a Stanley knife and run along your cut line before hand as it will prevent chipping.

[snico]

I'd probably recommend building a simple guide out of a couple pieces of wood. Will take about 2 minutes and is reusable. Prevents any woodchip and allows for a perfectly straight cut.

[geolaw]

I'm confused. You stated you needed to cut only a 1/2 inch off bottom for your situation but instead cut the full 1 1/2 inches to cut the bottom rail completely off. After gluing the rail back into the remaining hollow bottom of door (now 1.5 inches shorter), isn't your door now 1 inch shorter than you need? Or did I miss something?

[tapmad]

use a fine tooth hand saw, not a circular saw, to get nice clean cut.

[cch]

worst instructions I've ever seen.  why would glue not be enough to hold a small piece of laminate to the bottom of the door?  its glued in in the first place not screwed.  also, the screws now show when the door is open.  not a very professional look.  and I don't understand why you are cutting off 1 1/2 inches from the bottom if you only need 1/2 in more of clearance.  last, I don't see why its necessary to cut off 1/4 inch from the end.  the piece you cut off is the exact size piece that came out of the door, thus it will fit back in the door.