Is there a way to turn a steel exterior door into a dutch door?
by
Kent
Is there a way to turn a steel exterior door into a dutch door? I know it's fairly easy with a wooden door, but steel is what I have.
Sorry, but I think this is impossible. The door would be impossible to cut and has a void inside.
It can be done. It will take a little planning. Most steel exterior doors have a foam core with a wood frame for hinges and lockset. You can use a jig saw with a metal blade (slow cutting) or a circular saw with a metal blade. Use blue painters tape along where you plan to cut. Mark the tape with your lines (easier to see). You will need two cuts to have a gap for the shelf. You will have a bottom half with two hinges and a top half with one hinge. You will need to mortise the top door and jamb for a second hinge. Check both halves for the foam core. You will need to remove at least 1" of the foam from both halves. You will need to friction fit some wood with construction adhesive to strengthen the metal skins. Hang the doors, attach your shelf with screws. And your basically done.