How to Cut French Doors

A French door adds style to your home once it's fitted properly.

French doors are constructed with framed glass panes, bringing in light and a classic style to your interior. French doors can be custom-fit for entryways and other passages, and designs may incorporate one -- or two or more -- hinged doors. Even custom-fit doors may need some trimming along the edges for a clean swing. If you're working with a slab door or your door is not customized, you will probably need to make significant cuts to make your door fit in the opening. Always review the manufacturer's requirements for trimming before starting, as it could alter the fitting of the door's hardware.

Things You'll Need

• Sawhorse
• Ruler
• Utility knife
• Circular saw
• Sandpaper, 80-grit

Instructions

1. Measure the area of the edges that needs to be cut. Avoid planning your cut along the top edge of the door. Instead, cut along the bottom edge. Do not interfere with any hardware already present in the door.

2. Set the door on a sawhorse and mark the line that will be cut, using a ruler as a guide.

3. Score the cut line with a utility knife to ensure a clean entry with the circular saw.

4. Trim the door according to your guide lines, using a circular saw set to a cutting depth of the door.

5. Wrap 80-grit sandpaper around a block of wood, and sand the trimmed edge to prevent splintering.

Tips & Warnings

• Gently scraping the edge of a door with sandpaper can solve minor sizing problems. This is helpful if the door is jammed up due to expansion -- or if it needs a little extra room to run over carpet.

• When purchasing a French door, measure the existing door or opening to find a product with a close fit. If you purchase just the slab, without hardware, then measure the height and width of the door to be replaced. On the other hand, a pre-hung door requires additional information. You would need to measure the dimensions of the rough opening of the door, as well as the placements of the hinges, locksets, deadbolts and other hardware. Provide this information to the manufacturer to order a custom, pre-hung unit.

• Keep in mind that trimming more than a certain amount from the edges of the door may void certain manufacturer warranties. Review the installation guide or contact the door's manufacturer for details.