TELEVISION
Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford
RADIO
Homefront Radio Show
SPECIAL APPEARANCES
The Weather Channel The Early Show
Ask Danny

How to Trim a Hollow Core Door

By: Danny Lipford
In categories: Ask Danny, Carpentry, Doors & Windows, Repairs & Installation

Post to Twitter Post to Facebook 

I’ve just bought a home built in 1956, and the hollow core interior doors are swollen and cannot be closed. Can hollow core doors be shaved off at the top like solid wood doors? -Janie

Hi Janie,

Hollow core doors typically have about one inch of solid wood at the top and bottom, so you should be able to trim a bit off to make them close properly. Your options are to use a hand plane, power plane, or belt sander to remove a small amount of stock, and a circular or hand saw when taking off an 1/8” or more.

Watch our video on How to Trim a Door to find out how to cut off a door using a circular saw and homemade guide.

Good luck with your project,

Danny

Tags:
Print this
Email this
Share - Add to Any


Please Leave a Comment

One Comment on “How to Trim a Hollow Core Door”

You can follow comments to this article by subscribing to the RSS news feed with your favorite feed reader.

  1. Phil Fritz Says:
    November 10th, 2011 at 12:29 pm

    I was wondering what the process for cutting a hollow core door on the width beyond the inside frame.

Comments submitted may be edited for clarity and used on Homefront, Today’s Homeowner®, or posted in articles on dannylipford.com at our discretion. In addition, you may submit questions at our contact page or by calling (800) 946-4420.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

Sign Up For Danny's Free Monthly
Newsletter
* indicates required
First Time Homeowner
February Facebook Giveaway
Top 50 Homeowner Challenges
Severe Weather Preparedness