Not every doorway is created equal, and sometimes that brand new door you just bought needs a little adjustment to fit properly. The good news? Most interior doors in the UK can be trimmed to size, allowing you to achieve the ideal fit without the hassle of returning the door or altering the doorway itself. In this guide, learn which internal doors can be trimmed, how to trim interior doors with confidence and achieve the perfect fit, first time.

Do Doors Need to Be Trimmed?

Ideally, your doors will fit perfectly; opening and closing smoothly with no adjustments needed. However, trimming allows you to fine-tune the door for a smooth and even clearance within the frame. Ideal if your doorway is a quirky size or if you’ve ordered the wrong sized door by mistake. You may also need to trim interior doors if you’re installing a chunky carpet or thick laminate flooring, otherwise your door will get stuck when you try to open or close it.

Watch: What is the best way to trim down a door?

Top Reasons to Trim Interior Doors

Imperfect Fits
Even though doors and doorways are made to standard sizes, slight variations can occur. This could be due to manufacturing tolerances, imperfections in the doorway itself, or settling of the house over time. In this situation, made to measure interior doors could be a simple solution.

New Flooring
If you’re installing new flooring or carpet that’s thicker than your previous one, the door might scrape against it. Trimming the bottom of the door slightly creates the necessary clearance for the new floor.

Custom Doorways
If you have a non-standard doorway size or uneven walls, you might need to trim a standard-sized door to fit the opening properly. You can also match decorative door trim to your interior design, so you may want trim doors to achieve a professional looking result.

Improper Purchase
Let’s face it, mistakes happen. Especially when you buy interior doors online without checking the product description in detail. Maybe you measured your door frame wrong or even bought the wrong door entirely. Trimming can sometimes salvage the situation if the difference isn’t too significant.

Internal Door Trimming: Why it Matters

Smooth Operation
A properly trimmed door opens and closes effortlessly without scraping or sticking.

Preserved Aesthetics
A door that fits well within the frame looks polished and finished.

Functionality
The door can perform its job of providing privacy and separating spaces effectively.

Door Trimming Tips

Know your limit
What is the trimming allowance for doors in the UK? Well, most manufacturers recommend trimming a maximum of 5mm off each side of the door. Some, like LPD doors, may only allow 3mm. Exceeding these limits can compromise the structural integrity of the door and void your warranty.

Solid vs. Hollow Core
Solid core doors can generally withstand slightly more trimming than hollow core doors. However, it’s always best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for specifics.

Mind the Core
When trimming hollow core doors, be mindful of the internal structure. You don’t want to cut so much that you damage the core, affecting the door’s stability.

Understand the latest interior door trends and the learn more about different types of designs available (solid wood, solid core and hollow core) so that you pick the right one for your project. 

Buy Interior Doors That Can Be Trimmed

Many UK door suppliers offer doors specifically designed to be trimmed. Look for keywords like “trimming allowance” or “suitable for trimming up to X mm” in the product description.

But remember, while trimming offers a solution for slightly off-sized doorways, it’s always recommended to double-check measurements before purchasing a door. Consulting a professional for installation, especially if extensive trimming is required, is also a wise decision.

Can you trim doors yourself? If you’ve watched door trimming tutorials and feel ready, then why not? But you may want to ask a professional for help. Discover how to find a joiner using our tips.

Find the Best Value Interior Doors Today

Now you know which internal doors can be trimmed, give this DIY task a try for yourself.

But remember, trimming should always be done within the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid compromising the door’s structural integrity or voiding the warranty.

Browse our selection of interior doors which can be trimmed or speak to our experts about which designs offer the best fit for your next project. Home renovation or property development, we’re on hand with support and advice tailored to you.