Exterior Doors
#1
I need to install an exterior door. My problem is the vertical height measurement is only 81 inches. Generally I believe you need approx. 83.5 inches to install a standard door. My question is can i cut a pre-hung metal door 2.5 inches off the bottom to make it fit the space. Also, what tips would you recommend to keep from marring the finish, etc.
Thanks
Thanks
#2
Re-sizing a prehung metal door
Dear B Wright,
As a professional woodworker from CT., making custom wood doors and entry units for estates on Long Island Sound, I can only say I wouldn't. To cut the bottom off a steel clad door, you would also need to resize the jamb legs and all the weatherstripping. Then, if you noticed that the steel face is wrapped into the wood rail core (under the bottom door seal), you would have to recreate that condition. If the door you are installing is in a vestibule or under a roof of some sort, not fully exposed to the weather, you might get away with it. Otherwise I don't reccommend this.
As a professional woodworker from CT., making custom wood doors and entry units for estates on Long Island Sound, I can only say I wouldn't. To cut the bottom off a steel clad door, you would also need to resize the jamb legs and all the weatherstripping. Then, if you noticed that the steel face is wrapped into the wood rail core (under the bottom door seal), you would have to recreate that condition. If the door you are installing is in a vestibule or under a roof of some sort, not fully exposed to the weather, you might get away with it. Otherwise I don't reccommend this.