How to make doggy door wider?

[Cherey]

Have bought two different dog doors from Bunnings neither of them are wide enough for my English Bulldog without it we freeze in the lounge room because i have had to leave the door open so he can come and go. Any suggestions would be wonderful the doors are great u give an extra thing for height but not width

[EricL]

Hello @Cherey 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your questions about your doggy door.

Can you please tell us what size would be suitable (height and width) for your dog? I'll try to search for a suitable door and if I can't find one, I will make a suggestion on how to build one. 

Eric

[Cherey]

Opening is 11" wide our dog is 13" plus the bottom of the door has snapped of very poorly made never buy one like this the price they charge is awful my first door was strong still have it but this dog will not fit through it. Any help will be appreciated 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Cherey,

Your pup has basically reached the limit of what those pre-made infill panels can accommodate. Some wall-mounted dog door flaps, like the Hakuna Pets Extra Large Black Deluxe Aluminium Pet Door could work. At this point, a custom solution is likely your best option. You could have a frame built to fit into your current sliding door opening, and then install the Hakuna extra-large flap into that frame. If you’re handy, it’s something you could tackle yourself with the right measurements and materials; otherwise, a carpenter or handyperson could help construct a stable frame and properly fit the flap. This approach allows you to create a dog-friendly access point without compromising the strength or function of your existing door. It’s a bit more work upfront, but it will be far more durable and practical than trying to squeeze a pre-built panel that’s too small.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Cherey]

Well this was not helpful i am not handy i am a 70yr old woman who is dealing with a freezing cold lounge room as i have to leave the door open so my dog can come and go. Ty for yr recommendation but have no idea how this little panel will help need the entire add in section so i can close the door and still have a place for my dog to come and go and for me to stay warm and flies out.

[MitchellMc]

I'm so sorry, @Cherey, but I've contacted all our suppliers of dog doors, and none are available in the frame insert for sliding patio doors that have at least a 33cm (13") wide opening. It's only the wall/door insert units that come large enough. As mentioned, it would need to be a custom-made frame to suit your sliding door. Would you consider having one installed in an exterior wall, or is there another solid door it could be installed in?

Mitchell

[Cherey]

This is a Housing Plus home so no other door just sliding back door would a glazier be able to help i don't know who to contact for help

[JacobZ]

Hi @Cherey,

Glaziers would be experienced with aluminium-framed sliding doors, so they would likely be your best option if you wanted to replace your sliding door and have a custom insert, similar to the existing one, made.

Otherwise, a handyperson or carpenter could likely build a basic frame that your sliding door closes against, clad it so that it keeps out the cold, and install the Hakuna Pets Extra Large Black Deluxe Aluminium Pet Door in that frame. 

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[Cherey]

Ty gr8 advice this has been very helpful. U have made things easier for me just had no idea who to call for help