Dutch Door Building Instructions

This door could be made into a Dutch door.

A Dutch door can add a bit of class and comfort to a home. It allows the door to be both open and closed at the same time. Built correctly, a Dutch door is as solid as any other door and yet more versatile than a screen door.

Things You'll Need

• Solid door
• 4 hinges
• Wood putty
• Hand sander
• Varnish or paint
• Circular saw
• Pencil
• Carpenter square
• Putty knife
• 2 slide bolt locks

Instructions

1. Remove the current door from the frame. If you plan on using this door for the Dutch door, set it on wooden horses or another work station. If a different door is being used, make sure that door fits before cutting the door. Remove the hinges from the door.

2. Fill in the holes from the hinges with the wood putty. Do this by filling the hole using a putty knife, then sand the extra off.

3. Mark on the door where you want to cut to create the Dutch door. Do not cut yet, but rather attach the hinges to the door, two above and two below the proposed cut with 6 inches from the bottom and top sections, by screwing them in place. Verify that these marks will support the door by hanging the door and that the door functions properly, opening and closing without scraping. Remove the door from the hinges, but leave the hinges on the door frame.

4. Place the door back on the saw horses or work area. Draw a line from one side of the door to the other, using the carpenter's square to ensure a straight line. Using the circular saw, cut completely through the door, ensuring that you follow the line exactly.

5. Sand and finish the door with the appropriate varnish or paint. Sanding the door will help to keep the finish even and will eliminate splinters, making the door safe.

6. Attach a weather strip on the outside of the door. This will make the door weather-tight. Screw the weather strip into place, paint the weather strip if so desired, although it can be left plain. Reattach the door to the door frame.

7. Using the slide bolt locks, secure the top and bottom sections of the door to prevent unauthorized entrance and the door swinging open when it should be shut. Do this by attaching the primary part of the slide bolt lock to the top section of the door. Attach the smaller part to the bottom door, enabling the doors to be attached to each other.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use safety equipment when using power tools. This includes using safety goggles and safety gloves to protect your eyes and hands.

References

• Country Home: Make a Dutch Door
• Innovative Equine Systems: Dutch Door Specifications
• Cannonball HNP: 3000 series dutch door

Resources

• Do It Yourself: Transform Your Door into a Dutch Door