Closet door openings can vary in height. Some are framed a little short because of preference and some are framed to specifications to allow for the installation of a closet door without having to cut the door. Those who need to cut a closet door for it to fit should know about the tools and techniques available for a successful project. Does this Spark an idea?
Tools
Although power tools are generally not considered essential to cutting a closet door, they definitely are needed to do a successful and thorough job. You will need a set of sawhorses, a circular saw with a fine cutting blade, a razor knife, straightedge, tape measure and roll of blue masking tape. If you don't have these items, buy them at the hardware store.
Application
Tape cardboard or cloth to the sawhorses to avoid scratching your closet door while its lying across them. Measure the closet door opening with a tape and subtract a half inch from that measurement. For example, if your door opening measures 80 inches, you'll want your door to be 79½ inches. Lay the door on the saw horses and measure from the top, down to the bottom of the door. Mark each side of the door, and use a straightedge to draw a line across the door. Keep the straightedge in place and, with a razor knife, score the door material along the mark to prevent splintering when you cut it. Wrap masking tape around the door at the mark---on both sides---and re-mark your measurement on top of the tape. The tape will help prevent splintering as well. Begin your cut slowly. Place the bottom of the door to the right side of the saw when cutting; this will give you more surface area for the saw base to ride on. After the cut has been made, use a piece of fine sandpaper to smooth the cut edges.
Tags: closet door, bottom door, door opening, masking tape, prevent splintering