Q: I just recently installed some vinyl flooring in my living room. The project was mostly a success, but I seem to have mis-calculated the gap between the door and the floor and now it will barley open before getting completely stuck. It looks like I'm going to have to take it off its hinge and sand it down, but I've never done such a thing and am not sure how tricky it will be...
Do you or any of your readers have and suggestions on how to do this? Better yet, does anyone know a way to fix this without taking the door down?
Sent by Katie
Editor: Can anyone help Katie out with some advice on this project? Please let her know in the comments below - thanks!
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(Image: number10.gov.uk)
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Yes, you will have to take the door off the hinges and shorten it with a plane, a circular saw or a belt sander. Hand sanding will take forever. Cut it at least 1/4" shorter than it should be and fill the gap with door sill weatherstripping.
it looks like a beautiful door, are you sure you don't want a professional to do it?
Call a professional. This falls under the category of don't it yourself.
Um... the door pictured, I'm quite sure, is not the door that the OP is writing about.... Unless the PM of the UK has changed genders, changed names, and has a secret affinity for beginning woodwork... :)
That being said, I had to do the same thing with my bedroom, and you can also use a jigsaw as long as you use something as a guide and go very carefully. I'd probably use a wide wood plane - one that can go the width of the door to keep it even - and mark BOTH sides.
sassydo, that's the front door of No. 10 Downing Street, in London, the residence of the Prime Minister of Great Britain. LOL. If that is your front door Katie, yes I would call a professional. As Prime Minister I'm sure you can pull a few strings. If not, I agree with spanky, I think you can do it yourself if you have help to get it off the hinges. Use a circular saw to take off most of the extra, then finish up with a plane and/or belt sander.
I agree with sasharenee IF this is an entry door. This can be more tricky and new entry doors are quite expensive. If it is an inside door, eh, so what if it is wavy or quite high to let through the breezes.
As mentioned, use a circular saw, planer, or belt sander. I'd probably use a circ, and you prob have easier access to one. To get a straight cut if you aren't that steady, I'd set up a guide. You'll need 2 clamps, a straight piece of wood, and the circ. Draw your line for how much to cut off. On the saw measure the distance from the outside of the metal base to the blade. Then set your "guide" by adding that measurement up the door. Hold the circ against the guide and flat on the door and you should get a straight cut. It's hard to explain in a few sentences, just read, think it out, and measure twice, stay square.
Haha. I'm the poster of this question and that is definatly NOT my door. The one in question is an ugly white one that needs no royal treatment. I'm new to this whole home improvment thing so I'm afraid I don't have all the resources to do this properly. Though it might not be the most efficent, I think I might have to sand it. Though, is buying a circular saw worth it? Do those of you who have one find ways to use it often? If so maybe I'll go and get one. Thanks for the tips!
I'd call a handyman with experience in woodwork to do that for you.
Front doors are expensive and a mistake is gonna cost you bigtime - Spend a little to save alot.
Unless you plan to do a lot of carpentry I wouldn't buy a saw. Renting or borrowing one through a lender website might work better for you. Especially since you only need to make one cut.
If you've never, ever used a circular saw, might be a good idea to get a friend who has or rely on power-sanding or planing. The latter two options are more time consuming, but since they're slower you're far less likely to mess them up.
I think the image associated with this post is getting people confused. Is the door in question a solid wood entry door? If it is an interior door there is a possibility that it is a hollow core door and that could get a little trickier. I suggest calling a pro for this. It's not too hard to get the door off the hinges and a pro will plane it properly in no time.
DIY Life actually just wrote about this here:
http://www.diylife.com/2010/02/25/the-daily-fix-how-to-unstick-a-door/
My husband is quite handy and has had LOTS of trouble with doors. In addition to all of the problems above, he didn't seal his cut on our front door and throughout the year it would bow out. One of the door guys here mentioned that the bowing was caused by the door not being sealed at the end and moisture getting down in it. We're in the process of finding someone to replace the door. Good luck!