Section 1: Threshold

Shortening Door

Get Ready to Cut!

If the height of your threshold requires you cut a bit off your door to meet the minimum 0.8 inch threshold height, this lesson should guide you through the process. If you feel uncomfortable removing and trimming your door, please contact a professional. We recommend Home Advisor for resources on finding a Professional. If you have any questions please contact us and we will help you find a solution. We apologize for any inconvenience!

Tools needed:

  • >36" yard stick, level, or straight edge
    level, or straight edge
  • Measuring Tape
  • Phillips head driver bitPhillips head driver bit
  • 9-18v Power Drill
  • Phillips head screwdriver
    Phillips head screwdriver
  • Flat head screwdriver
    Flat head screwdriver
  • Hammer
    Hammer
  • Framing nail, nail punch, or narrow screwdriver
    Framing nail, nail punch, or narrow screwdriver
  • Saw horses
    Saw horses
  • Small pry bar
    Small pry bar
  • Needle nose pliers
    Needle nose pliers
  • Extension cord
    Extension cord
  • Circular saw
    Circular saw
  • Sand paper (80-150 grit)
    Sand paper (80-150 grit)
  • 1 Measuring Your Door

    Measure door from the bottom of the actual door to the floor at the ends and the middle.

    The bottom of the door should be within 1in (2.5cm) -1.25in (3 cm) above the floor.

    Subtract the actual distance from the floor from 1.25” (3 cm), that is the amount of material you should cut from the bottom of the door.

    If the bottom of the door is not parallel to the floor, then your cut will need to be angled to accommodate the difference in height.

    The bottom of the door should be within 1in (2.5cm) -1.25in (3 cm) above the floor.
  • 2 Removing the Door
    Remove the door by tapping out the hinge pins with a framing nail or narrow screwdriver and hammer or unscrew one side of each hinge.

    Remove the door by tapping out the hinge pins with a framing nail or narrow screwdriver and hammer or unscrew one side of each hinge.

    **This step may require two people to handle door safely.

  • 3Remove the Door Sweep, If Present
    Set the door flat on saw horse or a stable platform outdoors or in a non-living space that allows you to cut the bottom of the door freely.

    Set the door flat on saw horse or a stable platform outdoors or in a non-living space that allows you to cut the bottom of the door freely.

    Save door sweep for re-installation later.

  • 4Cutting Your Door
    Mark the amount of material you want to remove at both ends and the middle with a tape measure or ruler. If the door was uneven, be sure to mark the correct distances on the hinge and knob sides of the door.

    Mark the amount of material you want to remove at both ends and the middle with a tape measure or ruler. If the door was uneven, be sure to mark the correct distances on the hinge and knob sides of the door.

    Trace a line across the marks with a pencil or pen and straight edge.

    Trace a line across the marks with a pencil or pen and straight edge.
    Cut along the line with a circular saw so that the saw blade is cutting “below” the line.

    Cut along the line with a circular saw so that the saw blade is cutting “below” the line. Sand the bottom with a sander or by hand with 80-150 grit sand paper to smooth cut surface.

    **Wear ear and eye protection.

    Cut along the line with a circular saw so that the saw blade is cutting “below” the line.
  • 5Reinstall Door

    Install hinge pins or hinge screws.

    Check height of door above floor, if it below the required measurements, repeat Steps 1-3.

    **This step may require two people to handle door safely.