I’ve just bought a home built in 1956, and the hollow core interior doors are swollen and cannot be closed. Can hollow core doors be shaved off at the top like solid wood doors?

– Janie

Hi Janie,

Hollow core doors typically have about one inch of solid wood at the top and bottom, so you should be able to trim a bit off to make them close properly. Your options are to use a hand plane, power plane, or belt sander to remove a small amount of stock, and a circular or hand saw when taking off an 1/8” or more.

Watch our video on How to Trim a Door to find out how to cut off a door using a circular saw and homemade guide.

Good luck with your project,


Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

Learn More