Door Easing / Shortening - DIY?

[Mr Jones]

So... I had new carpets fitted all over. Feels and looks awesome!

Here's the problem, the clearance is too small for the door to be re-hung after fitting the carpets. I have a total of 8 doors that needs easing.

Have anyone done it before? Is it just planing the bottom with a wood shaver or am I better off calling a joiner for £10 a door to deal with it all?

 

[Mr Jones]

I do believe my doors aren't solid wood doors and I believe it'll be a good quarter to half inch that needs removing.

So the question is, £80 for a one off job vs £80 to invest into tools and a bench to work it myself?

 

[Mr Jones]

£80 isn't a bad price for 8 doors.

Some chippies just use a electric Door Trimming Saw, enables you to trim the door while still hung.

If you plane the doors yourself you can split edges of the door, very easily.

My doors are all unhung now because it's too tight to be put back (6 of the 8 anyway).

HSS has a tool for hire...
http://www.hss.com/g/3141/Door-Trim-Saw-inc-Blade-.html

didn't know there's a specific tool for it. But looks like it'll not work well when the door isn't hung.

I'm looking at what's best now; Invest in tools, possible use for future vs hiring tools and do it (+ getting a bench) or call for a job at £10 a door. Someone at work apparently does joinery on the side, might have to seek him out.

 

[Mr Jones]

Better to leave to a chippie, I think in this case.
Door trimming saw isn't that easy to use, I knew someone who hired one & it snagged the carpet, ended up having to have a second new carpet.

Aye, my missus also mentioned that - last thing we want to do is to ruin a brand new carpet. £80 it is then.

 

[Mr Jones]

What's the typical depth of the bottom batten? I do believe all these doors are as new (4 year old new build) i.e. not trimmed, but can't be sure. Heavy when I pick it up but feels hollow when I knock, so very likely to be the 'cheapy' door.

Still ringing around yellow pages, averaging £10 a door. Might have to sink this rather than invest it on tools and use my limited skills.

 

[Mr Jones]

Thanks for the feedback, would make sense to get it right. Don't want any heartache as moving day approaches.

Been phoning around yesterday and got quotes ranging from £115 to £70, and the £70 company is around the corner from my new place, so looks like it'll be him then.

 

[Mr Jones]

Turns out all my doors were fire doors. Guy came, sorted it out without fuss for £70, even tidied up all his mess. ne of the better and friendlier contractors. Would definitely hire him again if we need any wood work done.

NW Joinery LTD (Pontefract) In case anyone is looking for one.