How to Fit a Salvaged Door in an Existing Opening | Ask This Old House

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  • Опубликовано: 18 янв 2025
  • Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva takes a homeowner’s salvaged door and uses several tricks to make it fit. (See below for a shopping list, tools, and steps.)
    SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: bit.ly/Subscrib...
    Shopping List for How to Fit a Salvaged Door in an Existing Opening:
    2x4 piece of poplar [amzn.to/32yBGdb]
    Tools for How to Fit a Salvaged Door in an Existing Opening:
    Drill-Driver [amzn.to/2LrY6Y6] or screwdriver [amzn.to/2NVeMca]
    Hand plane [amzn.to/2A8ctdr]
    Track saw [amzn.to/2Lr2UNl]
    Scribes [amzn.to/2LqGFHm]
    Utility knife [amzn.to/31dHcSq]
    Speed square [amzn.to/2A5dpPF]
    Screws [amzn.to/2A5UdBt]
    Wood glue [amzn.to/2N8XOHI]
    Steps for How to Fit a Salvaged Door in an Existing Opening:
    1. Remove the hinges from the doorframe using a driver in reverse or a screwdriver.
    2. Remove the hinges from the door using a driver in reverse or a screwdriver.
    3. Place door in opening and push it up tight to the header.
    4. Use a pair of scribes to follow the angle of the gap between the header and the door starting at the widest gap and tracing until the lowest gap.
    5. Cut the marked portion of the door using a track saw.
    6. Take a small piece of wood and line it up with the top hinge. Mark it 1/8-inch longer than the door to account for the space between the header and the door.
    7. Also mark the distance on the wood from the edge of the hinge to the face of the door. Now, that can serve as a gauge for making the hinge points in the doorframe.
    8. Now, place the gauge tight against the underside of the doorframe. Using it as a guide, match up the hinge with the edge on the gauge. That’s where you want the hinge to be placed.
    9. Drill holes through the holes in the hinge and drive in screws.
    10. Mount the bottom hinge by using the same reference lines on the gauge.
    11. Close the door and see how it fits into the opening.
    12. If there is a gap between the door and the frame on the hinge side, you may have to mortise out the hinges.
    13. Next, check the distance between the door and the floor. If there’s a gap, you may have to account for it by adding a piece.
    14. Measure the distance between the door and the floor at its highest point. Take that measurement and subtract 1/8-inch and that’s what you’ll want for the added length.
    15. To add the extra piece of door, take the measured piece of poplar and glue it to the bottom using wood glue.
    16. Then drive in two screws at the bottom to keep it together.
    17. Using a hand plane, plane door the piece of poplar until it’s level with the rest of the door.
    18. To create a fake seam to match the rail of the door, use a speed square as a straight edge and a utility knife to mark the poplar. Go over the cut several times.
    About Ask This Old House TV:
    Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers-and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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    How to Fit a Salvaged Door in an Existing Opening | Ask This Old House
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Комментарии • 427

  • @bobbyburnette8764
    @bobbyburnette8764 2 года назад +40

    I never tire of watching and learning from this man, please never retire.

  • @boonang4097
    @boonang4097 4 года назад +15

    "'This Door is hung upside down". Thanks for doing that mistake. Tom Silva revealed all the mistakes and showed us how to correct them!
    The more mistakes the more opportunities to learn.
    Thank you Tom You are a Champ.

    • @Cris-ss8tb
      @Cris-ss8tb 2 года назад

      Thanks im going to use that Outlook at work

  • @DougCeleste
    @DougCeleste 8 лет назад +197

    Is there ANY job that Tom cannot do well???? The man is AMAAAAAAAAAZING!!!

    • @buckbuck9225
      @buckbuck9225 8 лет назад +4

      Doug Celeste yes there is.safety...

    • @oltedders
      @oltedders 6 лет назад

      He's fudged some shit on a TOH remodel when they were trying to get out at the tail end of the job. The think the homeowners were being buttheads about money.

    • @J19_vlogger74
      @J19_vlogger74 4 года назад

      @@buckbuck9225 don't be rude, he was being safe... atleast safer tha me Tommy Silva, some people are out thare to be rude and the 'tough guy' but they are just trying to get on your bas side, you were being safe, i know that and you know that, if knolage took up mass, your trailer would not ever hold 1% of it

  • @morgezorge6387
    @morgezorge6387 5 лет назад +12

    This guy has so much experience, no unnecessary actions, amazing

  • @jays1752
    @jays1752 4 года назад +3

    I watch a LOT of DIY carpenters. Most of them seem competent enough, some even occasionally show me something that I'm truly impressed by. Then I watch Tom Silva. Just a whole different level of talent, experience and knowledge. A million solutions to those unforeseen problems that come up on the job site. Maybe that's from working in New England his whole life where he's been dealing with 100, 200, even 300 year old houses his whole career.

  • @kevinsweeney5836
    @kevinsweeney5836 6 лет назад +25

    Tommy is by far a national treasure. A Hall of Fame professional for certain.

  • @speedshiftr88
    @speedshiftr88 5 лет назад +9

    I wish this guy was my uncle..he has an insane amount of knowledge. I need a lot for my house built in 1938..Learn a lot. Thanks

  • @scottyellis3442
    @scottyellis3442 Год назад +3

    Tommy is definitely the man.
    I've been in the construction business all my adult life (around 35 years) & now I'm a maintenance tech at a facility & still learning from Tommy.

    • @fishing5127
      @fishing5127 9 месяцев назад

      Yes he is the man! He's gotten me out of a jamb (pun intended) or two! Lol.

  • @davescott8859
    @davescott8859 6 лет назад +93

    God Bless these guys. This show and the crew has given us all many years of the best information from the greatest team of professionals. When we weren’t taking care of the farm or cutting firewood, I remember watching this show when I was a young child with my father along with the Yankee Workshop and the knowledge has been priceless in my life, a truly a blessing and many happy girlfriends along the way, thank you all.

    • @Littlelewie151
      @Littlelewie151 4 года назад +6

      Amen!!!! I used to watch this with my great aunt on HGTV as a child. Now I'm grown up I go back and watch these videos and take notes lmao!

    • @GaryLeeMooreWITCH
      @GaryLeeMooreWITCH 3 года назад

      Odin agrees with you.

    • @jonstensaas9077
      @jonstensaas9077 2 года назад +1

      I've never seen the hinges installed one at a time. I guess if you are lacking a straight piece of wood the length from top of jamb to just past the bottom hinge the small piece will work. I've always found one continuous piece. And mark all 2 or 3 hinges at once. But you learn something new every day.

  • @karla4257
    @karla4257 4 года назад +4

    I honestly just like watching this guy! I literally learn something each time I watch his shows. Truly thankful!

  • @bobbinsnest
    @bobbinsnest 8 лет назад +223

    Tommy is a true professional and knows his trade very well.

    • @subarutime5089
      @subarutime5089 7 лет назад

      bobbinsnest feastool

    • @johnclancy2491
      @johnclancy2491 4 года назад +2

      That is an understatement for sure!!! He and Norm are what we used to have in this country. No need for college for everyone!!! I am a tradesman and a nurse (retired). We used to take great pride in this country working with our hands! Norm does have a college degree also.

    • @lonewolf3564
      @lonewolf3564 4 года назад +1

      @@johnclancy2491 I have several college degrees and even though I made a high salary working in tech I understand the importance of basic craftsman skills and knowing how to work with your hands. Sadly Craftsman who take pride in their work and the quality they put out is no longer valued in our country because we've sold out to China. I would gladly pay more to have things made in America and to make sure that fellow American craftsman can practice their trade and provide us with quality products

  • @johnduffy6546
    @johnduffy6546 2 месяца назад

    Mr. Silva is an American icon! Such a wise mentor...Darn the rascal that paints hinges....Grrrr!

  • @stoneguy1737
    @stoneguy1737 8 лет назад +67

    Nice job Tommy. I'll be using that gauge block trick for sure.

  • @camlobesvtec
    @camlobesvtec 4 года назад +1

    Expert, classy, professional, genius. Really blessed by watching Tom.

  • @user-lf7en6rf8m
    @user-lf7en6rf8m 2 года назад

    Tom silva you are incredible, im so glad you became the worlds best tradesman,

  • @Chrisxantixemox
    @Chrisxantixemox 3 года назад +4

    This is incredible and helped me think of how I need to do my project! Using that scrap wood to figure out where the hinge needs to go on the jamb is a great idea and makes it a lot easier than doing a bunch of math!

  • @PatrolOfficer161
    @PatrolOfficer161 8 лет назад +23

    After all this time STILL more tricks on how to do it better and more correctly. I honestly had no idea an older door latch box could be redirected.

    • @boonang4097
      @boonang4097 2 года назад

      Yes it goes to show that sometimes mistakes are blessings in disguise. It gives opportunities to learn from mistakes and improve the work and outlook.

  • @angeloblack9824
    @angeloblack9824 7 лет назад +3

    Awesome video! The trick using a wood reference strip to
    place hinges in door-jam, without measuring, saved me huge amounts of time!
    Since my door was longer, I just made sure to shim the bottom when checking the
    fit.
    Thanks, this was exactly what I needed.

  • @jilllewis8394
    @jilllewis8394 5 лет назад +4

    Thank you TOH for this how-to. I found some salvaged doors I want to use in my c. 1920 house. Most were too short but now I know I can adapt them. I love the scoring of the new bottom panel to simulate the stiles.

  • @cybermad64
    @cybermad64 5 лет назад +1

    Amazing job here. restoring an old door and modify it to make it fit the door frame instead of replacing it with a new, door, hinges and handle where most people would just put it in the trash. Very impressive and clean.

  • @kevinclaytoncarpentry1686
    @kevinclaytoncarpentry1686 7 лет назад +3

    great work Tom. installing a salvaged door in a exsisting opening is actually
    quite tough and you made it look so easy.

  • @countyjohn741
    @countyjohn741 4 года назад +1

    Tommy you are the man it's a pleasure watching you work.

  • @billsmith9249
    @billsmith9249 5 лет назад +34

    I've said it before, when these older pros start retiring and the newer generation takes up, we're in big trouble!!!
    A+ work!

    • @darrylfitzys8632
      @darrylfitzys8632 5 лет назад +5

      That’s why apprenticeships are needed; I went through a 5-yr one.

    • @leotn64
      @leotn64 5 лет назад +11

      they said the same exact thing 60 years ago, yet here we have tommy.

  • @SubversionGarage
    @SubversionGarage 8 лет назад +16

    Tom Silva is my spirit animal

  • @r.mercado9737
    @r.mercado9737 6 лет назад +1

    This is one video I can watch all the time. It is bright, refreshing and stimulating. Truly a Noble Profession! Semper Fi

  • @brianabouttown256
    @brianabouttown256 7 лет назад +1

    Tom is the BEST!!!
    Thanks for all your help over the years, I feel like you’re my Fairy Godfather of home repairs!

  • @maxdaxful
    @maxdaxful 5 лет назад +1

    He is the Bob Ross of home repair!!

  • @nonameHEF
    @nonameHEF 8 лет назад +8

    Tom Silva is such an amazing allrounder.

  • @sfb4577
    @sfb4577 8 лет назад +40

    ive been watching this show for over 20 yrs.......Tom is the man!!!
    cant believe how todays home improvement shows are nothing but nobodies Hollywood glamour bullshit

  • @markhoffman
    @markhoffman 4 года назад +11

    In the first take, Tommy realises the door is upside down and uncontrollably laughs for 15 minutes. After Tom can finally gather himself, they restart the show.

  • @TheInroad
    @TheInroad 6 лет назад +103

    "Upside down and inside out im bout to show all you homeowners what it's all about" -Tommy Silva

    • @oltedders
      @oltedders 6 лет назад

      That works just right for cutting crown molding on a miter saw.

  • @ScottishMatters
    @ScottishMatters 5 лет назад +2

    That is a brilliant, methodical, informative and easy to follow tutorial. Honestly, good carpentry is an art. Thank you

  • @Phantomas2011
    @Phantomas2011 Год назад

    Tommy u r such a smart pro I LOVE watching you work your magic! Learned a lot from you!!! As u say “BEAUTIFUL “

  • @bumbog4071
    @bumbog4071 5 лет назад

    I paid someone to hang a door today ...absolute mess. I had to get my daughter help me take it off tonight , all the screws were so tightly drilled into place it was a struggle to remove them. The frame was battered to bits and a chunk missing off the bottom of the door which I later found in the bin! Just like the door in the video there was a big gap on one side but the fitter decided to remedy this by screwing a piece of wood on the front to cover it....it looked so bad. I could do it better myself especially after watching this video. This man is obviously a real carpenter, skilled, knowledgeable and a joy to watch, he makes it look so easy - it’s not of course that’s why people spend years learning the trade but I’m going to try because I can’ t be much worse than the person who botched it today. Thanks for this great video.

    • @penelopekimball1335
      @penelopekimball1335 5 лет назад

      Probably thought since you are a woman you wouldn't notice. What a jerk.

  • @Chris-s2r
    @Chris-s2r 4 года назад

    Tom Silva. Man of talent!

  • @dennisd4452
    @dennisd4452 9 месяцев назад

    Tommy is a professional artist! Whatever his price is, just pay him. Worth every penny on the dollar.

  • @nedsdeclassified
    @nedsdeclassified 7 лет назад +1

    I feel when tom does pass, they should us the footage of him with his chisel @6:01..
    That clip sums him up, calm,concentrate and humble..

  • @aaronbays4
    @aaronbays4 5 лет назад +1

    Man its almost therapeutic seeing a master carpenter like Tommy work his magic. I can hammer a nail into a board, cut wood, frame a basic wall, but skills like getting that door to fit perfectly, that's a sort of dark art/wizardry that comes only with years of experience.

    • @johnp556
      @johnp556 5 лет назад

      If you've ever messed with old doors on old house, you know that's some serious wizardry he's got there.

  • @mjahandyman6390
    @mjahandyman6390 4 года назад

    Tom is a Master at his trade, .. Your a great teacher, Thank you

  • @stevejensen3471
    @stevejensen3471 3 года назад

    Who wouldn't love having the legend Tommy Silva in their home working on a project!

  • @finalchapter24k
    @finalchapter24k 3 года назад

    That man is clearly learning from his more experienced elder. Love to see it!

  • @blackrain6ft5
    @blackrain6ft5 8 лет назад +29

    every time I hear that theme music of toh I fall into my happy place. I absolutely love this show.

  • @krn14242
    @krn14242 8 лет назад +13

    I guess he didn't notice how high the door knob was.. :) Great job (as always) by Tom.

  • @taohuang359
    @taohuang359 5 лет назад

    Like I said, Tommy is totally awesome! Used these tricks to fix several old doors that we replaced in our house. Thanks!

  • @zenjon7892
    @zenjon7892 3 года назад

    Tom is one of my heroes!

  • @businessman904
    @businessman904 5 лет назад +1

    I like this guy. He make projects look so easy. I'll look at my projects, and go straight to craigslist for unreliable help.🤷🏾‍♂️

  • @yourmasterrenovator86
    @yourmasterrenovator86 2 года назад

    This was all and all we need to know about hanging a door. Thank you very much.

  • @JoseJimenez-vw2cw
    @JoseJimenez-vw2cw 5 лет назад

    you are a patient knowledgeable gentle teacher

  • @rayleder3705
    @rayleder3705 7 лет назад

    Tommy never ceases to amaze me.

  • @zachikhothingo1
    @zachikhothingo1 6 лет назад +1

    Tommy is awesome. I'm inspired evertime I see him work. a true master.

  • @Stuntman2304
    @Stuntman2304 4 года назад

    The door videos with Tommy are so satisfying!!!!

  • @SmallWonda
    @SmallWonda 4 года назад

    Tommy you're AMAZING - we have an external door here mounted upside down - just a screen door, but even so...! Loved how you fixed the latch... 👍🦘🐾😎

  • @campmein
    @campmein 5 лет назад

    WOW, Tommy you are a genius! I am going to watch this video over and over and over when I go to fit my door in a weird opening. This video was sent to me by God, he knew you were a genius that could help me solve my problem. You sir, are incredibly talented and make it look easier than it really is. Thanks for the great video. 💫💫💫

  • @joefran619
    @joefran619 6 лет назад

    experts like tommy always makes it look so easy, yet it comes from years of experience

  • @gordonquickstad
    @gordonquickstad 3 года назад

    Tom Silva is the boss of doors!

  • @hudsonriverlee
    @hudsonriverlee 4 года назад

    Wow . I will need this video, I have doors from 1880, the previous house owners tried hanging the doors and have the hinges on opposite sides of the door top and bottom, I am thinking of putting this old door on the wood shed , lol
    I liked the idea of how to take and transfer the gap using a scribe. In any case the video is very informative...

  • @travisvossler
    @travisvossler 5 лет назад

    People actually had the tendency to put a thumbs down on this video 😂how to truly not appreciate anything in life this video is master class quality.. you rock brother I look forward to every video you post your professionalism is unmatched on RUclips👌🏼

  • @sajidrafique375
    @sajidrafique375 5 лет назад

    This guy is the Best of the best handymen

  • @bsowieja
    @bsowieja 4 года назад

    Tom gets it right the first time, every time.

  • @agate_jcg
    @agate_jcg 6 лет назад

    It's fun to watch these with your own DIY successes and failures in the back of your mind. 5:22 -- that right there is the part I screwed up last time I did this.

  • @mijailmariano7846
    @mijailmariano7846 2 года назад

    so much knowledge and wisdom in one video. love it!

  • @Goldifarms
    @Goldifarms Год назад

    He makes it all look so easy 🙌

  • @davidmore7867
    @davidmore7867 5 лет назад

    True Craftsmen at work....A joy to watch

  • @jshdjsjsjs1438
    @jshdjsjsjs1438 8 лет назад +170

    I bet tommy was laughing when he first saw the door

    • @kellerrobert80
      @kellerrobert80 6 лет назад +5

      I doubt it. It was a quick fix available to the homeowner to protect his kids. He knew all along it was a stopgap till Superman Tommy arrived.

    • @jasonalexander6417
      @jasonalexander6417 6 лет назад +9

      he did laugh 0:35

    • @andrewholdaway813
      @andrewholdaway813 6 лет назад +2

      He probably brought it with him

    • @oltedders
      @oltedders 6 лет назад +4

      Tommy's laughing at the door being upside down, but he knows that was the only way it could have been mounted with the hardware left in place. Not a quick fix and only an old timer would know how to do this. 18 step process.

    • @andrewholdaway813
      @andrewholdaway813 6 лет назад +2

      @@oltedders
      I'd also like to know in what way the homeowner thinks the door matches others in the house - because it clearly doesn't.

  • @fernandourbina4851
    @fernandourbina4851 4 года назад

    This old men is the man !!!

  • @penelopekimball1335
    @penelopekimball1335 5 лет назад +1

    Loved this video. I was like "no way! that's how you do that?" Thanks Tommy.

  • @SpencerDavis2000
    @SpencerDavis2000 5 лет назад +1

    this was so impressive how he did everything. Tommy is so awesome

  • @michaelhume8689
    @michaelhume8689 6 лет назад

    Tommy your legend...learnt 3 knew things....class...the UK loves you TOH

  • @avenger1888
    @avenger1888 4 года назад +1

    Tommy did a great job with making the door fit. The only thing I would have done differently is when putting the wood piece on the bottom. I would have instead of one solid piece across I would have done this.
    Add the piece to the horizontal (Bottom Rail) panel, then cut two pieces for the vertical ( stile) making sure the growth pattern ( grain) goes the same way.
    Adhering the piece using either dowel pins or biscuit joints.

  • @J19_vlogger74
    @J19_vlogger74 4 года назад

    Tommy Silva, your the man bro! if knolage took up mass, your trailer would not ever hold 1% of it

  • @mannyperez609
    @mannyperez609 5 лет назад

    All the knowledge this guy has, pretty impressive

  • @ronniekeener3802
    @ronniekeener3802 2 года назад

    Great job Tommy. The wood whisperer.

  • @marieapple6866
    @marieapple6866 5 лет назад

    The gentleman is correct, Tommy is amazing!

  • @renostubbs6348
    @renostubbs6348 5 лет назад

    That was an unbelievable job,I appreciated the video from start to finish. Thank you sir.

  • @melinageofashion
    @melinageofashion Год назад

    I love fhis man I wish could be my next door man to listen and learn his skills!! Blessings

  • @romuloromero2268
    @romuloromero2268 2 года назад

    I could watch Tom work on wood all day. I do wish we had seen the finished painted door.

  • @bigsuey
    @bigsuey 6 лет назад

    I like seeing old school skills with up to date tools.:-)

  • @davidrobins4025
    @davidrobins4025 3 года назад

    Another good job with some great ideas on what to do to fix this old door.

  • @Pro1er
    @Pro1er 5 лет назад

    Excellent episode.

  • @chriskozlarek8013
    @chriskozlarek8013 5 лет назад +10

    That pencil trick to measure the angle blew my mind...

    • @bigpicturethinking5620
      @bigpicturethinking5620 4 года назад

      It’s called scribing. You can use the same technique to fit things very close to irregular surfaces such as stone and other odd shapes.

  • @longshorejlepper2582
    @longshorejlepper2582 4 года назад

    This was a very good instructional video !!!

  • @MrThomascd
    @MrThomascd 4 года назад

    Tom ... that was truly amazing... thanks

  • @theo234theo
    @theo234theo 5 лет назад

    Tommy has so much knowledge. Its like Tommy sees the problem and has the solution. There is no job Tommy cant handle. You can almost see the gears turning.

  • @WeaselJuice
    @WeaselJuice 8 лет назад

    You gotta wonder how Tom knows all this, but it's his job. Thanks Tom! 😊

  • @chaz4471
    @chaz4471 Год назад

    ❤❤❤❤❤I have always loved all the guys on this show!!!

  • @SPMech1
    @SPMech1 3 года назад

    He is such an amazing craftsmen.......

  • @colinsmith7576
    @colinsmith7576 5 лет назад +1

    Tommy, thank you for sharing, excellent tricks of trade.

  • @hnnnggh
    @hnnnggh 2 года назад

    man that's a lot of good tips in one little video

  • @lilywondertwin
    @lilywondertwin 5 лет назад

    Tommy you are the man !

  • @electrifyinglightningbolt
    @electrifyinglightningbolt 6 лет назад

    Now all he has to do is find a key that will fit that old lock so he can lock the door and hang the key up high so his kids can't fall down the steps. Tom Silva always does good work!!

  • @chipdog007
    @chipdog007 5 лет назад

    Tom is the man!

  • @Khurr
    @Khurr 4 года назад

    Tommy is too skilled for his own good...need me a Tommy in my life 😀

  • @indicharlie
    @indicharlie 5 лет назад

    Tommy is a true genius

  • @michaelo1492
    @michaelo1492 3 года назад

    just proves there's alway a solution to every problem that life throws at you.

  • @jeffthewhiff
    @jeffthewhiff 4 года назад

    Tommy is "the man" and can do any home repairs!

  • @mangham2011
    @mangham2011 6 лет назад +1

    I enjoyed watching this I watched it all over again.

  • @nickopetra
    @nickopetra 4 года назад

    Best how to video, ever

  • @ernestocardenas6607
    @ernestocardenas6607 3 года назад

    Tommy is a genius

  • @kellerrobert80
    @kellerrobert80 6 лет назад

    Nice work, Tommy.

  • @MrEazyE357
    @MrEazyE357 4 года назад

    Tommy is amazing.