When trimming a hollow core door, take less than an inch off each side to avoid cutting into the void beyond the frame. The veneer face on hollow core doors also tends to splinter easily. To prevent splintering, score the cut line with a razor knife before sawing off the door.

Once you’ve scored the door, clamp a straight edge to it at the proper distance from the door edge. Now use a circular saw to make the cut, with the edge of the saw resting against the guide board. Once you’ve made the cut, sand the bottom of the door, and finish it with either paint or polyurethane.

Watch the video above to find out more.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Joe Truini

Joe Truini

Radio Show Co-Host

Joe Truini is a contractor, author, and the host of “Simple Solutions” on Today’s Homeowner TV and the weekly Today’s Homeowner radio show. He has worked on both large commercial projects and residential remodeling, and has written for national publications such as This Old House and Popular Mechanics. He has also written eight books, including three best-selling shed-building books. Joe lives in Connecticut with his family and enjoys hiking, traveling, and baseball in his spare time.

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