How Much Can You Cut Off A Hollow Core Door? (Find Out Now!)
It can be very frustrating when you install a brand new interior door and it does not shut properly. Door adjustments are inevitable, whether it is the angle of your old house floor, or the two-inch carpeting you installed in the new nursery.
But hollow core doors can not be cut and adjusted as much as solid wood doors since they are mostly empty inside. This begs the question – how much can you trim off a hollow core door without destroying its integrity?
Hollow core doors have a solid wood border you can trim. Research your specific door and its design to see thick the solid perimeter is. A stud finder is a useful tool when you try to identify the maximum amount to cut. Never cut beyond the solid wood border as it will expose hollow interior and cause damage. Once cut, be sure to seal the door to prevent warping.
Before you prepare to adjust your hollow core door in any way you should first understand exactly what a hollow core door is.
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Hollow Core Doors Explained
Hollow core doors are lightweight doors most often used in interior spaces. This design style makes hollow core doors more affordable and much easier to transport.
Despite their name, hollow core doors are not completely hollow. They often have a lightweight honeycomb-shaped interior. Hollow core doors have a solid wood border around the entire door. The remaining interior is usually held together by the woven honeycomb shape amidst empty space. This helps make a sturdy door without adding extra weight.
The lightweight design allows for easy installation. Sometimes, however, the door you install needs to be trimmed to fit the door frame perfectly. It is important to know how your specific hollow core door is made before you start adjusting it.
Deciding How Much Cut
Each door manufacturer makes hollow core doors differently. This means not every hollow core door will have the same amount of solid wood on its borders. Be sure to research the specifications of your door before you make the first cut.
On average, a hollow core door will have at least a 1 inch solid wood border. When the solid wood block is 1 inch thick, you should safely be able to cut up to half of it without causing damage or concern.
In some circumstances you need to trim the sides of the door, and in others you need to trim the top or bottom of the door. Although the technique varies based on what part of the door you wish to trim, the tools you will need are the same.
Use a Stud Finder
A stud finder is a great tool to determine exactly how much of a hollow door you can cut without going too far.
- Turn stud finder on and place it towards center of the door.
- Slowly move the stud finder towards the edge you wish to cut.
- When the stud finder lights up, mark the exact spot.
- Move the stud finder along the entire length of the desired cut area to ensure the entire length has a solid interior.
Tip: Always allow some space (ideally at least 1.2 inch) between the start of the stud and the cut line. This will allow for some error, and will ensure the solid wood border will stay intact, preserving the door shape.
How To Cut The Door
A circular saw is the preferred method when cutting a hollow core door. It is possible to use other saws like a jig saw, but the following steps are specific to circular saws. Be sure to make adjustments as needed if you use a different type of saw.
Tip: Use a circular blade with plenty of teeth (a minimum of 18 teeth to be safe).
- Use a straightedge and ruler to draw the cut line where you want the new edge to be.
- Score the cute first with a razor blade to prevent splintering or chipping on the face of the door.
- Tape door on the edge of the cut line and above for about one foot. This will help ensure your saw is lined up properly and will help minimize paint chipping.
- Use a straight edge wood block as a guide for your saw. Be sure to measure the width of your saw to ensure proper placement of the straight edge wood piece.
- Clamp wood in place when it is level and in the proper location.
- Saw through the door. Be sure to take your time cutting. Pushing too hard can potentially alter the cut or cause unnecessary chipping to the door edges.
- Paint or polyurethane the freshly cut door edge. This will help seal the door and prevent premature warping or damage.
Cutting The Bottom vs. Cutting The Sides
Tips For Cutting The Top of Bottom
A Thick carpet, curved floor or door frame may require you to trim the bottom of a hollow core door.
Hollow Core doors often have a larger solid wood block at the bottom than they do on top. If you need the top trimmed significantly you may want to trim the bottom as well to allow for the greatest decrease in height without exposing the hollow interior.
Once you make the cuts to both the top and bottom, make the necessary adjustments to hinges. This ensures the door will line up perfectly when you open and close it.
Tips For Cutting The Sides
When you cut the width of the door to make it thinner it is often best to cut both sides. You also help to keep the wood frame more stable when you cut both sides of the door as you are taking less away from the solid wood frame.
When you cut equally from both sides of your hollow core door you also keep the door symmetrical. If it is not possible to cut from both sides of the door just make sure you have enough solid wood to make the cut you need.
What To Do When You Cut Too Much
It is crucial to make precise measurements and cuts so you do not over cut the door. If for some reason you have cut too much of the door and the hollow interior is exposed it may still be possible to salvage the door.
You will need to use two clamps, two pieces of solid wood and expanding foam insulation to reseal the exposed hollow door.
- Use two clamps to hold wooden planks on both sides of the door. Place planks at the edge of the door where it was cut too much and show the hollow interior.
- Use expanding foam insulation to fill the exposed hollow interior door.
- Allow Foam to dry. Check the label on the insulation as drying times may vary based on the product used.
- Cut off access foam once it has dried and solidified completely.
- Sand the new edge of the door and then seal it using polyurethane or a similar sealant.
Related Questions
Can I Mount Hooks to A Hollow Core Door?
You can successfully add hooks and other mounts to a hollow core door. The key is to use the right equipment, which in this case is a hollow door anchor.
Hollow door anchors are usually plastic anchors that fold flat so they can be inserted into a small pilot hole that you drill into a hollow core door. Be sure to only use hollow door anchors, as these anchors are designed specifically for this lightweight and thin style of door.
Can You Shave a Hollow Core Door Without Removing It From The Wall?
If you are unable to remove your hollow core door but need to trim the bottom you can try a sanding technique using the following steps.
- Note the part of the area of the floor and part of the hollow core door that are creating friction.
- Place sandpaper with the grit facing up in the problem area.
- Secure it in place using the proper tape for the surface you are working with.
- Open and close the door over the sandpaper back and forth until you feel the friction go away.
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Sealing It All Up
Hollow core doors may not be solid throughout but you can successfully cut them without sacrificing craftsmanship. Be sure to look up the specs of your specific door. This will tell you exactly how thick the solid wood outline is on your door. A stud finder is a great resource when you are unsure of what is inside your door.
Always measure precisely before you prepare to cut the door. Preparing the door with tape and even scoring the surface before you saw it can help prevent chipping and cracking. If you cut too much and expose the hollow interior do not give up hope.
Try clamping the door and filling the hollow edge with expanding foam insulation. This trick may help salvage the door and provide you with the perfect sized door that can last for years to come.
Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.
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