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Difficulty: Intermediate
Flipping the direction of a door swing so it opens into the opposing room is a great way to save valuable floor space, especially in compact areas.
Here is a guide on how to flip a door with centred door stop beading. As this project involves power tools, please follow all safety guidelines provided by manufacturers and use the recommended protective gear.
Let us know if you have any questions. We’d be happy to assist.
Video Tutorial
Steps
Step 1
Check the door stop beading's position.
Check your door frame. The door stop beading that the door closes against, typically 30 x 11mm, should be centred in the frame.
If the beading is not centred, you will need to reposition it. Trim down the beading's edge with a utility knife to break the paint seal before gently levering off with a putty knife. Reposition the beading so it is the same distance from the door's outside edge, except on the opposite side. Replace the beading if the old one is damaged.
If you have a rebated door jamb that does not have a door stop beading and is milled from solid timber, then you will need to remove it. You can then reverse the door jamb and reinstall it to accommodate the door on the opposite side of the frame.
Step 2
Remove the hinge screws.
Remove screws from the side of the hinge that is attached to the frame. Leave the top screw on. Do this for both hinges.
Now remove the top two hinge screws by placing wedges under the middle of both sides of the door. You can also have someone hold the door firmly.
Step 3
Mark the position of the top hinge.
Use a tape measure to the determine the distance between the top edge of the door down to the top of the hinge. Then add 5mm for clearance.
Transfer this measurement to the opposite side of the door stop beading.
Step 4
Remove and replace the top hinge.
Remove the top hinge. Position it according to your previously marked point so that the hinge plate, the leaf, is flat on the frame and the curved barrel is flush with the frame edge.
Mark the top and side of the hinge. Then mark the screw holes. Now use a drill driver and 4mm drill bit to pre-drill at your marked points and refit the hinge to the door. It is a good idea to wear gloves and safety glasses when drilling.
Position the door and secure the hinge by adding the top screw.
Step 5
Secure both hinges.
Adjust the door to align the bottom hinge so that both hinges sit correctly on the frame. Pre-drill and secure the bottom hinge with a screw at the top.
Work your way up, adding screws to all the hinge holes. The door should now open and close freely.
Step 6
Mark the door bolt position.
Mark the outside of the frame where the door bolt contacts the frame.
Now use your combination square to transfer this mark to inside the frame.
Step 7
Remove the catch plate.
Remove the catch plate from its old position. Place its outside face on the door frame so that your marked lines are evenly centred in the opening and the curved tongue is clear of the frame edge.
Mark the opening and the screw holes.
Step 8
Drill a hole for the door bolt.
In the marked opening, draw vertical and horizontal lines through the centre.
Now pre-drill the marked screw holes. Fit a 22mm spade bit to your drill, position the drill tip at the centre of both lines and drill a hole approximately 10mm deep.
Step 9
Fit the catch plate.
Position the catch plate and secure with screws. Close the door and make sure it catches without excessive rattling or movement.
If there is rattle or movement, remove the catch plate and use a pair of pliers to gently bend the lug in the plate opening in towards the centre. Refit and check again.
Step 10
Fill the holes, sand and paint.
Use a suitable wood filler to fill the old bolt and screw holes. You will need to apply filler to the bolt hole in multiple layers to ensure it sets correctly. Once dry, sand to a smooth finish and repaint.
You have now successfully flipped your door.
Materials
- Wood filler
- Paint
- Trim for the door stop beading, like Porta 30 x 11mm 2.7m Moulding White Pine FJ Primed DAR (optional)
- Nails (optional).
Tools
- Drill driver
- 4mm drill bit
- 22mm drill bit
- Tape measure
- Combination square
- Pencil
- Small door wedge
- Putty knife
- Sanding block
- Paintbrush
- Pliers (optional)
- Utility knife (optional)
- Personal protective gear, including gloves and safety glasses.
Images
