How do I resize a pet door

Carol
by Carol

I just bought a patio door secondhand. It was the perfect price but the pet door is too big. My concern is someone being able to crawl through it. How can I go about filling it in to put in a smaller door?

  10 answers
  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Sep 14, 2021

    Hi, You will need to place and secure a panel on the front and one on the back to cover the whole area and then trim around it.

  • If the new one is just a little smaller you could add a piece of wood or wide molding to modify the size. If it's a big difference in size, you may need a new door. Here's a link on securing a dog door:

    https://www.cuteness.com/article/doggie-door-burglar-proof

  • J Brown J Brown on Sep 14, 2021

    Once you resize the opening the existing flap will no longer be able to swing in and out. You will probably need to purchase a new smaller flap.

    Might be better to look for another smaller door and resell the one that is too large.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Sep 14, 2021

    A piece of wood on top of the inside of the doggie door would reduce the height of it, then attach a new flap for the smaller opening.

  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Sep 14, 2021

    I agree a solid piece of wood across the top on both sides of the door to the height of the doggie door you would prefer would be about the only thing I can think of.

  • William William on Sep 14, 2021

    You would need to cover the existing opening with 3/8" or 1/2" plywood panels inside and out. Anything thinner will be too flimsy. Panels should be about 2" larger than the opening. You want a 1" overlap all around. Use glue and small nails to fasten them in place.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Sep 14, 2021

    Can you put an insert at the top? I would go with white. Add a panel or two, similar to shiplap look.

  • Carol Carol on Sep 14, 2021

    I was thinking about it last night, could I put a trim over the edge to bring it in and use some kind of expanding foam to insulate? Then instal the new door in that?



  • Dee Dee on Sep 15, 2021

    Build in a piece of wood on both sides. Make it look intentional and decorative. Put some decorative molding around the square. Caulk and paint all the same color.

  • Annie Annie on Sep 16, 2021

    You would have to add a piece of wood securely, then put the new door into place.