Quote:
Originally Posted by shane_c
We are wanting to add french doors to our finished dining room. There are 2 entrances and both are already framed so we will not be adding pre-hung doors. They will be added to the existing frame.
1) first entrance is 36.5" wide. We were going to go with a 36" swing in door. Would the extra 0.5" be eaten up between the gap on the hinge side and the knob side?
2) the larger entrance is 49" wide and we were going to go with two 24" swing in doors. Same question. Do we need to worry about the extra 1" or will it be okay given gaps on the 2 hinge sides and the gap between the 2 doors? If not, how much should we build out the existing frame so that it fits properly?
Also, for the larger opening we can't decide if we should go with one turn style handle and one dummy, or two dummy handles and the door would be secured in place using one of those ball/recessed cup latches. Any recommendations?
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I never use dummies (handles, haha) or allow my guys too. They are terrible. Drill your handle hole out but don't drill the 1" on the side for your double doors. Toss the guts of the handle out and screw the two ends together as normal. This allows the handle to operate like normal and you don't have to ever worry or deal with any kids/guests reefing on the dummy handle and ripping it off the door. Works great and doesn't come across as cheap.
As for the openings, Zarrel is right. Those margins are way to big to make up for. You'll end up having a 1/16" on the hinge side no matter what you do and almost 1/2" on the opposite. If you've got the know how and finesse, there are lots of ways to correct this but it helps if you're in it all the time - a professional. Personally in your case I would have the jambs taken out and build it properly. You need a rough opening that is 2" wider than your door both vertical and horizontal. For the double doors you need a 50" wide opening as it is 24*2+2".
It is also much easier to mortise the hinges in new for the door and jamb as opposed to trying to match existing. Can be done but not too much fun especially if you haven't done much of it before. If you're unsure, save yourself some frustration and find a finisher to help you out!
Hope that helps
