@@JPE_DRAEB the little groves that are on the middle of the face of the door. They would act as little reservoirs for water to pool in at the top of the dog door (on the outside of course). You have to drop a ton of caulk in there
Great. I bought the xtra-large version. Definately take door off. I also laid a bead of exterior silicon down as a driving rain will pool in the grooves in a panel steel door. Just a simple precaution.
Love the idea of removing the door but probably won't do mine since it's old and slightly warped. But I wanted to comment that for the size of the door you installed the door should be lower to the floor. It should be at the dog's stomach level. In case you ever install another one. Thanks Polly
Great video. What a good landlord! I am renting, and my landlord allows pets but doesn't have a dog door or a sliding door to the backyard, so I bought my own door to install a dog door into and plan on putting the old door back on when I move out
That is a really good plan! Measure the hinge locations. It will be extra work for you if they do not line up. You might check with your landlord and see if you can put a dog door in you current door if it is not all glass. If you are going to be there a while in may be worth you paying for. As a landlord I like the idea of the dog letting themselves out, less accidents in the home.
Taking the door off is a good idea - being a 105 lb female, I may not be able to handle the door by myself... I'm putting in a larger door (there is an existing smaller door) - so I might just sit on a stool and enlarge the hole with my reciprocating saw. Great video!
This is the best way to see how cheaply your exterior doors are made. I work in a door shop cutting these out all day and man those doors are so cheap, if you want a decent door go with mahogany or fir.
I like the idea of using a cutoff wheel on the metal door. I helped my friend do this on a door and it was a nightmare with a jigsaw with a metal blade. I should be doing this to 2 doors in the next couple of weeks and your way seems much better.
Lucky me! You used the exact same dog door I bought and my paneled door is nearly identical, too! I I figured this was the best way to install but was worried about the panels.
I suggest using a square if you are not a carpenter with experienced eyes to mark cut lines to make sure you don't end up with something that is not level or plumb. Caulk the gaps. As far as taking the door off it depends on the weight and the strength/health of the person. I wanted to see how a dog door worked on a raised panel door. This will take the average person longer than 20 minutes most likely to get ducks in a row and cleanup, etc. Don't be in a hurry. Thanks.
I wouldnt have thought of taking the door off, it seems like it would help a lot! I have been a little intimidated about putting a dog door in but this makes me way more confident!
Great video, just what I needed🙏 Definitely agree with taking the door off and working despite the extra effort. Although I think it will take me a few hours not 20 minutes 😂
Same! Even tho I work in construction, this is not something I do on the daily. People with experience have a much easier time with these tasks. I can do it for sure, but def not in 20 minutes 😂
Thanks for the info. Being that I don't have the strength to remove & move a steel door (I'm disabled), I think a video showing the installation with the door in place would be great. But I did get enough info to get started on the project. Thx!
Take a tube of exterior cocking for outside around doggy door, and paintable cocking around the door on the inside. This will help keep rain and weather from getting inside
Yes, but I'm worried that my friend didnt place it low enough to the bottom of the door. Is it possible to place a larger door in the same area, just lower?@@TheImprovementChannel
@jeremymccoy4141 - this is what I'm facing. I have the gaps as well, but I don't want to leave them like he did. Would you fill the gaps with the caulk or something else? Either way, I'll still seal it up with caulking for waterproofing.
Any reason not to center the door on one of the 2 door panels, instead of between them? I think that would look better on my door, and also seal better, but are there any problems that would cause with install?
My dogs are already enjoying their new (relocated) doggy door. Much better now. Thanks! :) For those wondering...taking off the door makes it MUCH easier.
Kenneth Toohill hard to see or you cannot see it in the video but there is a round rubber seal that have a good amount of give that keeps it sealed. I have not had any leaking issues. It would have been better to take off the blinds but it was about to get dark and I wanted to see if I could knock this project out in 20 minutes.
If the gasket that comes with the door doesn't quite fill those panel recesses you can caulk them. Recommend tape on the door and the frame to keep the caulking nice and neat.
I have the exact same dog door to install. The instructions on the back said to use the dog door cover to draw around. I think that would have been easier. I hope they don't have a chihuahua. That opening is way too high. My 2 Chihuahuas would never be able to step over that.
a small dog can walk through a large doggie door if it is low enough. i would have went with a larger door but at a lower height to accommodate different size pets that might move in there. that door would be useless for a dachshund or similar breeds
michael smith you are exactly right. I ended up having the first renters move in with Chihuahuas. I removed that door and purchased the next size up and moved it down lower. It was still a little high. I was thinking more about medium sized dogs.
What size doggie door would you recommend for a female black lab? She’s so tiny right now at 7 weeks but I know she will get much bigger. If installing the door now it would have to be very low as she wouldn’t be able to jump through yet.
Alexandra Jimenez I would talk to your Vet and see how much she should end up weighing and buy the door according to the weight. The doors are sized by the dogs weight. I would just guess on the proper height.
DO NOT use an angle grinder on a metal exterior door. There is insulation inside that burns from the blade and the smell is ACRID. I will never do that again. Maybe use an air hammer with a chisel bit. Anything but an angle grinder. Worst smell ever
@@TheImprovementChannel like I said, worst smell ever. You couldn't pay me enough to do that again with an angle grinder. For the sake of health don't use an angle grinder. There's fire retardants that cause cancer when not burned, imagine what they do as a burning dust
BEWARE: Tracing the inside of the door WILL NOT be large enough for the insert to fit in. You will end up cutting it around 3/4'' larger. Yes, taking the door off is a must and it only takes a few minutes..
The dog door was installed extremely too high on the exterior door. That was a small dog door so it should have been measured up from the bottom of door to an appropriate height for a small dog to use. The install was rushed without appropriate measurements . 🐾
How far do you measure up from the bottom of the door for a dog door that is made for up to 40 pound dogs. Denise, this is a dog door for a rent house and more often than not the dogs are on the bigger side of the 40 pounds.
I was thinking my dogs wouldn't let a raccoon come in because they always seem to know when a possum, etc. is outside and as soon as the door opens they chase off any critter in sight. But, I desperately need a dog door installed because having three dogs that want in and out all during the day and night drives me crazy and wears me out. So, if they can go in and out at their own will, would be worth a raccoon inside if they were brave enough to take on three dogs.
Thanks for the video. Only suggestion is for those who have metal doors is to sweep up the metal shavings after drilling so not to walk by barefooted one day and get jabbed.
I never want to be in a hurry to do a job or feel under pressure. That’s why I charge enough for it to be worth my time. Otherwise I’d go work for someone else. And always mark on the OUTSIDE of your doggy door flange. A little bigger wont hurt. But trying to shave an 1/8 of an inch or more is a hot mess you don’t want to deal with. Cut it right the first time. As far as taking the door off ? Absolutely. Metal flakes are going to fly every where. I get 150 to install a doggy door. If someone asks why so much? I say when you wreck your door it will be 300.00 for me to rehang a new one. That usually seals the deal.
Great advice, on the higher price on the install. You have to charge a little more when you are going to take care of things if something goes wrong. Thank you for your comments, I agree with you!
When putting the door back on loosen the hinges on the door just a little but not the top hinge. This will allow you to install the top hinge first and then have wiggle room for the other 2 hinges
Is it really necessary to remove the door from the hinges? I've installed an extra large dog door on an interior door with just a drill and jigsaw and i didn't have to take the door down.
good basics, but you must caulk the indentations on the outside at least to prevent rain from entering the bottom of the door and rusting it out.
Good tip!
What you mean by caulk the indentations?
@@JPE_DRAEB the little groves that are on the middle of the face of the door. They would act as little reservoirs for water to pool in at the top of the dog door (on the outside of course). You have to drop a ton of caulk in there
Ohhh ya I forgot about that... tk u!
The slide that goes on the backside of the door to keep animals in or out, was the thing you were supposed to outline.
Great. I bought the xtra-large version. Definately take door off. I also laid a bead of exterior silicon down as a driving rain will pool in the grooves in a panel steel door. Just a simple precaution.
Good idea!
Love the idea of removing the door but probably won't do mine since it's old and slightly warped. But I wanted to comment that for the size of the door you installed the door should be lower to the floor. It should be at the dog's stomach level. In case you ever install another one. Thanks Polly
Great video. What a good landlord! I am renting, and my landlord allows pets but doesn't have a dog door or a sliding door to the backyard, so I bought my own door to install a dog door into and plan on putting the old door back on when I move out
That is a really good plan! Measure the hinge locations. It will be extra work for you if they do not line up. You might check with your landlord and see if you can put a dog door in you current door if it is not all glass. If you are going to be there a while in may be worth you paying for. As a landlord I like the idea of the dog letting themselves out, less accidents in the home.
Taking the door off is a good idea - being a 105 lb female, I may not be able to handle the door by myself... I'm putting in a larger door (there is an existing smaller door) - so I might just sit on a stool and enlarge the hole with my reciprocating saw. Great video!
Thank you!
Taking the door off was SMART!
Thank you!
You are a kind landlord. I also allow pets, upon meeting them.
Do you charge a pet fee?
Thank you for making it simple and quick so that way I can have my Husband get on it for our new pup!
Glad it was helpful!
I would not have thought to take door off. Awesome
I have done it now both ways.
This is the best way to see how cheaply your exterior doors are made. I work in a door shop cutting these out all day and man those doors are so cheap, if you want a decent door go with mahogany or fir.
This is a rent house, the front and the back door are both pretty cheap.
I think taking the door off seems a lot harder but it actually makes everything a lot better and easier to do
N Rico thank you.
I like the idea of using a cutoff wheel on the metal door. I helped my friend do this on a door and it was a nightmare with a jigsaw with a metal blade. I should be doing this to 2 doors in the next couple of weeks and your way seems much better.
Just make sure and wear proper safety equipment.
Lucky me! You used the exact same dog door I bought and my paneled door is nearly identical, too! I I figured this was the best way to install but was worried about the panels.
Ken Olson sweet! I trust everything went smooth?
This is what we are planning on getting I just was concerned with the height of the doggie door. I have a slight step down
Definitely easier and cleaner work removing the door. Good job man.
Thank you!
I suggest using a square if you are not a carpenter with experienced eyes to mark cut lines to make sure you don't end up with something that is not level or plumb. Caulk the gaps. As far as taking the door off it depends on the weight and the strength/health of the person. I wanted to see how a dog door worked on a raised panel door. This will take the average person longer than 20 minutes most likely to get ducks in a row and cleanup, etc. Don't be in a hurry. Thanks.
Thank you.
It'll probably take me 40 min as I don't have the cutting tool or jigsaw necessary to make such a quick n easy square.
Is Just a doggy door ! 😂 he’s not building a house …
I wouldnt have thought of taking the door off, it seems like it would help a lot! I have been a little intimidated about putting a dog door in but this makes me way more confident!
Jump in there, you can do it!
Thanks. Probably won't pull the door tomorrow. My jig saw does pretty good and I'm doing it without help. But the job is simple as I hoped
It is pretty easy with the door on, maybe a little more clean up. I hope if goes smooth for you!
I was skeptical, but great video....I will definitely have one installed, thanks!!
Thanks for watching!
Great video, just what I needed🙏 Definitely agree with taking the door off and working despite the extra effort. Although I think it will take me a few hours not 20 minutes 😂
I bet you can do it under an hour if you don’t have to run to the store half way through.
Same! Even tho I work in construction, this is not something I do on the daily. People with experience have a much easier time with these tasks. I can do it for sure, but def not in 20 minutes 😂
Definitely easier to work on the door horizontally, so taking it off is a good idea.
I agree
I never would've thought of taking the door off haha. Thanks
My pleasure!
Thank you so much for doing this video. I have the courage to try it after this.
My pleasure! Good luck on yours!!
Grade A! I will be doing this very soon! Just bought my first house and videos like these help me more than you know 😂 thanks again!
Congrats, Travis! This project will be the first of many for you to acquire additional tools along the way. I hope your project goes smooth!
Hey Travis its been a few weeks. How did you get on? Have you done it yet? I'm looking into this myself!
Thanks for the info. Being that I don't have the strength to remove & move a steel door (I'm disabled), I think a video showing the installation with the door in place would be great. But I did get enough info to get started on the project. Thx!
Thank you for watching! Good luck, I hope it goes smooth for you.
Perfect video. You just convinced me to purchase one and try this DIY on my own! Thanks!
Great for you! Let me know how it goes.
Easy. Few beers and a few hours I’ll do it one day.
You bet, make a day if it!
Take a tube of exterior cocking for outside around doggy door, and paintable cocking around the door on the inside. This will help keep rain and weather from getting inside
Thank you!
I agree with taking the door off. With it off I believe the end result is of higher quality plus the mess is kept outside.
Interesting…I agree!
Thanks, this was helpful!
Awesome, thank you for taking the time to comment! I am glad you enjoyed it!! Please subscribe if you have not already so you can enjoy my new videos.
Yes that cracks me up with some of these guys don't take the door off there's only three 3 pins to take off and it's easier than heck to put back on
Very easy, you are correct. I admit the first one I installed I didn’t take the door off because I did not think of it, lol.
Taking the door off saves a lot of bending over and makes clean up easier.
Great point and I agree!
You convinced me to try this...thanks
Thank you!
Great idea to take the door off
I agree, thank you.
Fabulous instructions!
Thank you, for the compliment!
I'm definitely gonna give it a go after seeing this. Thx!
That is great to hear! Good luck I hope it goes smoothly for you.
Very helpful, I bought the exact door from Amazon. Except mine has 6 holes rather than 4 holes.
Awesome, do you have it installed already?
Yes, but I'm worried that my friend didnt place it low enough to the bottom of the door. Is it possible to place a larger door in the same area, just lower?@@TheImprovementChannel
I did mount it a little high. It would have been better a little lower.
The best way to find the center is to mark the center of your door then mark the center of the doggy door.
I agree.
Thanks
My pleasure!
The best doggy door is an armor flex doggy door. Best investment ever.
Why sets it apart?
I'd recommend sealing the edges and open pockets around the frame to
To what?
What would you seal that with?
I would suggest one thing though. I would fill in the gaps and run calk around it just in case .
Probably a good idea.
@jeremymccoy4141 - this is what I'm facing. I have the gaps as well, but I don't want to leave them like he did. Would you fill the gaps with the caulk or something else? Either way, I'll still seal it up with caulking for waterproofing.
Wow, you sure made that look easy
Thank you, it was not too bad.
I've always removed doors by unscrewing the hinges, I gotta try the pin method!
Tried it on a door last week, I could not get the bottom pin out. I had to remove the screws. Sometimes it works.
You did awesome
Thank you! I appreciate your comment!!
A mask to use a grinder to cut wood lol I’ve cut tile With a diamond grinder with sunglasses 🕶 or less
Lol, I hear you.
Nice
Thank you
Any reason not to center the door on one of the 2 door panels, instead of between them? I think that would look better on my door, and also seal better, but are there any problems that would cause with install?
I think that might work better. Be a better seal the way you are suggesting.
My dogs are already enjoying their new (relocated) doggy door. Much better now. Thanks! :)
For those wondering...taking off the door makes it MUCH easier.
Nice, thank you!
But how to seal where panel depressions are? Seems it would leak?
I’m surprised you didn’t remove the blinds to keep from mashing them.
Kenneth Toohill hard to see or you cannot see it in the video but there is a round rubber seal that have a good amount of give that keeps it sealed. I have not had any leaking issues.
It would have been better to take off the blinds but it was about to get dark and I wanted to see if I could knock this project out in 20 minutes.
If the gasket that comes with the door doesn't quite fill those panel recesses you can caulk them. Recommend tape on the door and the frame to keep the caulking nice and neat.
Aw hell, it's just a rental.
I have the exact same dog door to install. The instructions on the back said to use the dog door cover to draw around. I think that would have been easier.
I hope they don't have a chihuahua. That opening is way too high. My 2 Chihuahuas would never be able to step over that.
Small huskies.
thanks bro
My pleasure!
Great video although it would be nice to see how it looks from out side. I'm concerned about the wanes coat pattern not lining up with the dog door.
That part is straight but not perfect looking.
nobody cares about the wanes coat pattern.
same thing for wood door?
You bet!
Great video. Taking the door off seems to make the install easier
Colleen, glad you like the video! I think it made it easier but I have done it before without taking the door off and that is fairly easy as well.
I would have took the door off because I've done it before it started to cut the door standing in the door jamb
Good call.
Do you need a type of door lock to make sure no body tries to open the door?
That depends on the size of your dog door. You can add an additional lock that locks from the inside only that is easily mounted if that is a concern.
What if you also have a screen door
Your dog will be able to magically pass through the screen door. I hope that answers your question.
Need to silicone the outside of the dog door to keep water from getting in
We have not had a problem with water getting in.
No you don't.
i've never seen anyone use an ink pen for carpentry work.....
I see it all the time.
No caulking needed? Weatherstripping? Anything?
The door have a seal around it that mashes into place on both sides when you tighten it.
Pretty high placement for such a small door. small dogs have to jump high make sure you put the door at the right height good job though, looks good
I have run into that on smaller dogs.
What about the gaps?
They are there but no leaking problems.
a small dog can walk through a large doggie door if it is low enough. i would have went with a larger door but at a lower height to accommodate different size pets that might move in there. that door would be useless for a dachshund or similar breeds
michael smith you are exactly right. I ended up having the first renters move in with Chihuahuas. I removed that door and purchased the next size up and moved it down lower. It was still a little high. I was thinking more about medium sized dogs.
Seems like it’s a little bit high up for a medium size dog.
It is, you are right.
Adam Schefter?
Shane, go back to bed.
I would ve taken the door off from the start as I m a bit accident prone and the other option seems ….detrimental for a gal like me
I get that!!
What size doggie door would you recommend for a female black lab? She’s so tiny right now at 7 weeks but I know she will get much bigger. If installing the door now it would have to be very low as she wouldn’t be able to jump through yet.
Alexandra Jimenez I would talk to your Vet and see how much she should end up weighing and buy the door according to the weight. The doors are sized by the dogs weight. I would just guess on the proper height.
A big one.
Probably a Lg
Taking door off is the way to go for sure . Just easier to work and fire hazard if not outside
Not to mention less mess.
Needs some caulking on the outside
Maybe
Way smarter to take off the door!
Thank you.
Its a great idea thanks and im guessing its ok to make it alot lower ?
Yes that one was a little high for my first tenants’ Chihuahua.
You put that way to high off the deck for a 30 lb. dog. The top of the hole should be about an inch and a half above the dog's shoulder.
What if it is a breed that has on legs? I am joking John, you are 100% correct it is a little tall.
How much will that cost?
Under $40. Link in the description.
I didn't take the door off. But it would have been easier
Joshua psalm 144 1 thank you for the feedback. Hard to tell what is easier unless you try it both ways.
I think it is a great idea,less bending over
Thank you!
Also it's good for letting oxygen into tour home. amazing what oxygen does.
Charlene Naude I’m not sure what you mean. Could you elaborate?
@@TheImprovementChannel maybe he means air. It lets air in. 🤔
It seems to be safer to take the door off.
Good point.
I wouldn't take the door off
I have done it both ways.
I’m going to skip taking the door off
Same
Nobody cares what you are skipping.
@@bigmacdaddy1234 yea just like no one cares about your Chanel
DO NOT use an angle grinder on a metal exterior door. There is insulation inside that burns from the blade and the smell is ACRID. I will never do that again. Maybe use an air hammer with a chisel bit. Anything but an angle grinder. Worst smell ever
I did not experience that. Chisel, air or hammer would be rough.
@@TheImprovementChannel like I said, worst smell ever. You couldn't pay me enough to do that again with an angle grinder. For the sake of health don't use an angle grinder. There's fire retardants that cause cancer when not burned, imagine what they do as a burning dust
Then don't smell it.
@@bigmacdaddy1234 mouthbreather?
BEWARE: Tracing the inside of the door WILL NOT be large enough for the insert to fit in. You will end up cutting it around 3/4'' larger. Yes, taking the door off is a must and it only takes a few minutes..
Thank you.
Poor instructions didn't address making it WATER TIGHT
Thank you for watching, I have not had any leaks and I showed everything that was done.
The dog door was installed extremely too high on the exterior door. That was a small dog door so it should have been measured up from the bottom of door to an appropriate height for a small dog to use.
The install was rushed without appropriate measurements . 🐾
How far do you measure up from the bottom of the door for a dog door that is made for up to 40 pound dogs. Denise, this is a dog door for a rent house and more often than not the dogs are on the bigger side of the 40 pounds.
Change the way your door 🚪 swings. You want it swinging out not in.... Fire 🔥 hazard
This is a house not a commercial building. Out swing door on a house are very uncommon here.
Taking the door off is a must, it is possible w/o but much easier. I would have caulked the dog door
I agree, taking the door off was easy and best. I have not had any issues from not caulking.
Thanks - this is exactly what I was hoping to find. I'll probably take the door off too. It is easier to cut with it laying down.
Let me know how it goes for you.
This is a great option for you if you want ✨raccoons in your laundry room✨
I was thinking my dogs wouldn't let a raccoon come in because they always seem to know when a possum, etc. is outside and as soon as the door opens they chase off any critter in sight. But, I desperately need a dog door installed because having three dogs that want in and out all during the day and night drives me crazy and wears me out. So, if they can go in and out at their own will, would be worth a raccoon inside if they were brave enough to take on three dogs.
@@danainlouisiana just get one with a lock. They even have ones with 4-way locks (in & out, only in, only out, and locked.)
you're a great landlord! I'm a renter watching videos on how to install my own. also ... there's no way a 50 pound dog is fitting through that 😂😂
Yea think it is rated for a 40 pound dog. Thank you for the landlord comment. I certainly try and I have been blessed with great tenants so far!
Thanks for the video. Only suggestion is for those who have metal doors is to sweep up the metal shavings after drilling so not to walk by barefooted one day and get jabbed.
Great tip!
I never want to be in a hurry to do a job or feel under pressure. That’s why I charge enough for it to be worth my time. Otherwise I’d go work for someone else. And always mark on the OUTSIDE of your doggy door flange. A little bigger wont hurt. But trying to shave an 1/8 of an inch or more is a hot mess you don’t want to deal with. Cut it right the first time.
As far as taking the door off ? Absolutely. Metal flakes are going to fly every where. I get 150 to install a doggy door. If someone asks why so much? I say when you wreck your door it will be 300.00 for me to rehang a new one. That usually seals the deal.
Great advice, on the higher price on the install. You have to charge a little more when you are going to take care of things if something goes wrong. Thank you for your comments, I agree with you!
When putting the door back on loosen the hinges on the door just a little but not the top hinge. This will allow you to install the top hinge first and then have wiggle room for the other 2 hinges
Great tip!
Is it really necessary to remove the door from the hinges? I've installed an extra large dog door on an interior door with just a drill and jigsaw and i didn't have to take the door down.
Right, you can do it either way I was just thinking it would be quicker to take the door down because it makes a bit easier.
I know it would be easier to take the door off but I'm a single, small framed person. I KNOW I can install it with the door on.
Thanks for the video.
It is not hard with the door on, I agree.
It doesn’t come with a cutout template?
Yes, it sure does.
Twenty minutes. Don't talk rot. Took you 20 minutes to find the tools.
I do not understand your comment.
I thought the same thing and would’ve taken the door off.
👍
Can anyone refer me to a dog door installation video that shows the dog actually using it after it's been installed?
I cannot help you there.
I think I would’ve put it on the left side or right side it looks like it’s the same size as one of the panels
It looks like it but that is not the case.
I liked how you took off the door. But the doggie door seems to high off the floor. Great video though!
Maybe a little high, but I think it depends on the size of the dog.
It would be best to remove the door......Work smarter, not harder.
I agree.
Could you put a link to the Amazon doggie door please?
Here is the link Dan:
amzn.to/3QhSTRs