Can you cut an external door to fit?

[KarynM]

We want to replace the front door in a 1930s Art Deco apartment ŵith a vintage leadlight door.

Question: can door be cut down to fit the existing opening at all or does it need to be exactly the same measurements?

We have 8050mm x 2020mm x 35mm currently.

I guess the thickness is not able to be altered.

New Example door in image is 2030mm  x 860mm

Thanks!

[EricL]

Hello @KarynM 

Thanks for sharing your question about cutting down your door. Older classic doors tend to be made of timber all the way through. I propose examining your door thoroughly to make sure that it is constructed of timber and not sandwiched low quality timber.

Sanding the sides or corners of the door should reveal if it is a laminated surface. If you are satisfied with your examination, you'll technically need to cut 22.5mm from each side and I suggest cutting the bottom part instead of the top part so that the leadlight will be protected from the vibration of the saw.

I strongly recommend clamping the door to a worktable to prevent the vibration travelling to the leadlight. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric