How to Create a Dutch Door | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva converts a regular door into a Dutch door.
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Time: 3 hours
Cost: $100
Skill Level: Moderate
Tools List for Creating a Dutch Door:
Pencil [amzn.to/2kSd1Ah]
Safety glasses [amzn.to/2mYd6mN]
Chisel [amzn.to/2lfWpTn]
Utility knife [amzn.to/2mWQ0gc]
Drill [amzn.to/2mSflaY]
Track saw [amzn.to/2lsdV6C]
Palm sander [amzn.to/2lseU6O]
Shopping List:
Hinges (with screws) [amzn.to/2lg2kYA]
Barrel latch [amzn.to/2loZQqH]
Scrap cardboard [amzn.to/2mPsi5k]
Scrap wood for Filler [amzn.to/2kRopw7]
Wood glue [amzn.to/2lfBnUS]
Wood screws [amzn.to/2kV9eCj]
80-100 grit sandpaper [amzn.to/2ls1wQ9]
Steps:
1. With the door still hung in the jamb, mark where the cut for Dutch door will be. Use that as a guide to mark for 2 additional hinges above and below the cut mark.
2. Mortise the door where the new hinges will go with a chisel. Scoring around the mark with a utility knife can help prevent the door from chipping or cracking.
3. Once the hinges can fit flush against the door, attach the hinges to the door using a drill and screws.
4. With the new hinges attached to the door, trace where the hinges will attach to the jamb. Mortise the jamb and attach the other side of the hinges the same as earlier.
5. Replace the old hinges with new ones so that all four hinges match. If the old hinges are thicker than the new ones, add a filler piece of scrap cardboard behind both hinges before installing.
6. Remove the door from the jamb.
7. Cut two pieces of scrap wood the width of the door and taper them on opposite sides.
8. Cut the door in half with the track saw to fit the tapered filler pieces.
9. Attach one filler piece to the bottom of the top half of the door using wood glue and screws.
10. Rehang the top half of the door, then the bottom. With the door in place, attach the second filler piece to the top of the bottom half of the door and adjust as necessary with a palm sander.
11. Install a barrel latch to the top and bottom halves of the door to lock the top half of the door.
Resources:
Everything Tom used for this project, including the chisel, utility knife, hole saw, hinges, and latches can be found at home centers.
Tom used wood glue [amzn.to/2mXkI8Y] and polyurethane glue [amzn.to/2mrJduD], manufactured by Gorilla Glue (www.gorillatou...)
The track saw Tom used is manufactured by Festool [amzn.to/2mWmB5Q] (www.festoolusa...)
Expert assistance for this project was provided by Woodcraft (www.woodcraft.....
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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 Create a Dutch Door | Ask This Old House
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[@lonnarheaj]

Speaking as someone who loves our original Dutch door in our nearly 100 year old Texas farmhouse ... you just dont understand. Windows have serious limitations that Dutch doors scoff at. With a screen door mounted outside the DD, the ventilation is much better than using most windows; also window sills collect dirt, itty bitty leaf bits, bug bodies, etc., that blow in when the window is opened. A dutch door also keeps house-critters (dogs, cats, ferrets, ... whatever ) from destroying the screen door when the DD top is open for ventilation and view. I think Dutch doors are awesome❣️ 😂

[@penchopenchef2164]

dumbest argument ever

[@PJJ196]

I have no plans on making a Dutch door and yet I’ve watched this video like 10 times

[@RailwayModellerBen]

Tommys craft, accuracy and precision is absolutely amazing... I love these wood work skills are an inspiration...

[@AnCap1776]

Been watching this show since 2002 when I was 6. My grandfather got me into this show and after his passing in 2006, whenever i watch an episode, i feel like he is sitting right beside me watching the show with me. All the guys are great, but Tom has been a favorite.

[@balderoine]

Tommy is a genius, I’m amazed by his skills every time

[@timepoet77]

Is there anything he can't do?

[@TheToolnut]

Agreed, what's his surname?

[@bargainboondocker3420]

Silva. Tom Silva.

[@TheToolnut]

Bargain Boondocker Outstanding Sir, much obliged.

[@garyh4458]

Yea, because you have to have a high IQ to cut a door in half.

[@thehomesmen7101]

Tommy, saving the world, one job at a time! Big fan here.

[@dokmanian]

Tommy makes it look so easy I wish I knew 10% of what he knows

[@lonnarheaj]

My advice: start learning while young if possible, but as long as you're still breathing there's opportunity to learn and perfect your craft. Also, dont be afraid to make mistakes along the way, nor be discouraged when they happen. Carpentry is best learned by doing.

[@barkleycoon8647]

Im a contractor and I know how to fix alot of stuff but the stuff tommy does is amazing and if i had the chance to meet tommy and work with him on a project that would be amazing. These guys learned the trade of old techniques that has been lost over the years!

[@AraCarrano]

Great way to keep muddy kids at bay while serving refreshments, now all that is needed is a magnetic mesh door to keep the insects out. Love to see the finish after paint and if a strip of felt was needed to keep the painted beveled filler strips from fusing together.

[@bg147]

It would be best to use oil paint on the filler strips to avoid that issue.

[@silvergrizzly316]

Tommy, you are one skilled craftsman. Turning 50 and I've been watching you most of my life. GREAT JOB and Video!!!👍👍

[@rayleder3705]

Tommy never ceases to amaze.

[@ikecostner1]

Tom is a legend

[@Engineer9736]

For cases where there isn’t a roof in front of the front door, you should also think about the rain. Dutch doors i’ve seen had a piece of wood fixed to the top part of the door on the outside, overlapping the cut.

[@JF32304]

Tommy is just a badass. These skills only come with someone that's been in the trade for decades!!

[@momgrandma5496]

What an amazing transformation, love dutch doors and all the cozy touches houses used to have.

[@kenc2257]

Very neat! Probably not much call for Dutch doors nowadays; they were pretty popular in CA tract homes in the 1950s (we had one in our kitchen). You'll need a screen door/storm door, to keep out the critters.

[@powerWithinUs4055]

I support them by subscribing to the magazine....perfect companion to tv and YT.

[@lilliegeorge6023]

Looking to convert the kitchen door of my 1935- depression era home to a Dutch door. It has great character, solid wood, with a window pane top half and an original twist style doorbell on the lower half. It's a beautiful old kitchen door that I want to preserve and be able to open the top half only for breezes and to communicate with family members that are in the backyard. I love this video and wish I knew a guy (or girl) like Tom Silva. Tommy, please visit historic Lynchburg, VA! We need you buddy.

[@mremmob]

Al tough this is true craftsmanship from Tommy, I believe the (Dutch) doors here in the Netherlands are together with a half-lap joint. with a rubber weather stripping in between. this seal it real tight and makes the door more burglary proof.

[@PBandJsandwich]

I agree. I have made and "Dutched" a few dozen doors and a lap joint with weatherstripping in the gap is the way it is done. The wedge would never get a proper weather seal and an exact fit could never be maintained.

[@SpookyMietz]

I agree. Half lapped joints and weather stripping is the way to go. The way Tom did it would be a no no here in Germany.

[@cleroyster2610]

I wonder if this woman knows the EXPERTISE ..that this man exhibits.... He is a virtual genius woodworker carpenter....maybe the best ever.

[@jesusnthedaisychain]

Would she have contacted This Old House if she didn't have trust in their expertise?

[@seaotter52]

Cleroyster 2 Maybe so, but I would have told her to open up the windows

[@MrAlienware1]

Having Tom Silva and Norm Abram working together is like two masters playing the same song at the same time....good job

[@johnnywood8082]

MrAlienware1 didn’t see Norm

[@MrAlienware1]

Johnny Wood I’m talking wen they were working on previous projects.

[@efhjjfdth]

Tom is my favorite TOHer because when I was little I thought he was Cliff from Cheers.

[@jamessmejkal8803]

Great idea installing the hinges before cutting the door.

[@remodelassets6523]

Tom! You are turning into your Father as us men all do. Great video! Always love watching your expertise 💯👍

[@Madmun357]

Great video Ask TOH. Tom's expertise always impresses me. I just love how excited the homeowner was. She's really into his workmanship.

[@user-xf3ec9ql4r]

The dad everyone needs

[@jlacson74]

5:31 "Look at how much that expanded" Tom: "Look how much you expanded"

[@user-em6mc7mp9k]

Jamie Lacson haha lol

[@elaynecrain]

Wow, Jamie. I don't believe we know one another, and I guess that's for the best.

[@mbeaudry5325]

Absolutely love this project and love that you decided to do something unique to you and your home. Also really enjoyed how you and Tommy interact, it was just a fun and informative project and way more fun than “just opening up a window”! Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@aMYusername]

I'm creating a Dutch door on a dollhouse. So thanks for the info.

[@UkeDoggie]

I think this would be a useful video for that exact application!

[@81vlad]

As a Contractor I always learn something new from these guys, thank you!

[@007KrausBean]

Seems like opening the window right beside the door is smarter given that the top of the door can block a walk way.

[@elaynecrain]

I could open the window, but the Dutch Door allows for a bigger breeze, etc. and also allows for me to hand the boys random bits and bobs easier. We have a no shoes policy at the house so it's easier for me to hand them the toy they forgot, snacks, etc. this way, vs. throwing them out the window. In short, I just wanted one, and the show wanted to do the project. Sorry you didn't like it. Sincerely, The Homeowner

[@PHIL_S]

Glad it worked out for your needs.

[@theHAL9000]

@@elaynecrain Great project and practical for your needs. Plus, it's always a pleasure to watch the master doing a project since invariably I learn something new or pick up a great tip.

[@Notguilty1]

Tommy is the last of a true craftsman. Chiseling a hinge cutout is time consuming and VERy difficult to get right. Most ppl would use a router...amazing work.

[@acejaystephens1110]

Tommy should make more videos with her. Her questions and his subtle humor keeps me coming back

[@houtjeboom]

As a Dutchy I never new you call it a Dutch door... Funny. I got one my self and love it. A traditional door they used mostly on the farmhouses over here. Only ower doors going open to the outside. So that you never have that top door inside your house.

[@siddhpatel3574]

At 9:22 did anyone notice that Tommy rhymed if you did like the comment. I have been watching this old house with my dad since like 3 years ago. Love you guys keep up the great work.

[@passingthru308]

Tom Silva is a genius , .

[@BobbleHead90]

She’s just amazed as we are of Tom Silva‘s work

[@kperkins1982]

why don't you just open the window that is 2 feet from the door?

[@lisao3041]

Kenny Perkins Haha, you’re not missing anything. Open the window or open the door. At least the window will keep the bugs out.

[@erictold]

Maybe, opening the door will be easier than opening the double hung window.

[@elaynecrain]

I could open the window, but the Dutch Door allows for a bigger breeze, etc. and also allows for me to hand the boys random bits and bobs easier. We have a no shoes policy at the house so it's easier for me to hand them the toy they forgot, snacks, etc. this way, vs. throwing them out the window, which does not overlook the porch. In short, I just wanted one, and the show wanted to do the project. Sorry you didn't like it. Sincerely, The Homeowner

[@PHIL_S]

Dutch window?

[@bmarie8965]

Kenny Perkins what fun is that

[@AndreaArzensek]

I love how many new tips and tricks I learn by watching these series. Thank you for sharing your wonderful knowledge. Cheers 🍻

[@clydebalcom8252]

This is why I enjoy This Old House so much.

[@mikemichaels1875]

She is digging you Tommy!

[@68camarorsss33]

I came here for the “great video but you should of done it like this” comments LOL

[@cup_and_cone]

What you're looking for a TOH electrician video.

[@jesusnthedaisychain]

I hope you won't be disappointed.

[@Firebird_876]

Hey watch their videos with the electrician doing work. There is a bunch of internet electricians on those videos that haven’t ever wired a plug or touched wires in their life.

[@christophercrawford2736]

68CamaroRS/SS *should have

[@fbksfrank4]

Waiting for the she's thick comments.

glad to see what I just woke up early and watch on tv got put on youtube the same day

[@dalesworld1308]

Open the window and the flies might get in. This way a whole flock of birds can come in.

[@unclefreddieDied]

hahaha

[@alonzomartii]

Whatever the customer wants. A mesh door was much better idea but her taste was a dutch door.

[@michaelrodrigues5713]

she has a full screen door on the outside.

[@dalesworld1308]

@@michaelrodrigues5713 Then all she had to do was open the door! She didn't need it split into two to hear her kids! And that center rail he cut has no meat left to it - the weight of the window glass is gonna start pushing the joint apart. That particular door was a bad candidate for being cut in half.

[@DillonCleans]

Kicking in that door would be so easy because the only lock on that door is the lock on the jamb. All you have to do is turn the knob and kick the bottom so the barrel latch will rip out of the top. Super easy but still a nice job

[@DillonCleans]

Oh hello past me. Been a while

[@adamortner7172]

What a master! Tapered fillers to form an airtight situation!! Tom is the Man!!!

[@kssthebird16]

I want to know how he tapered those.

[@adamortner7172]

@@kssthebird16 Good question! I watched it again this morning, and he does not detail his locking angled cuts as another commenter called it! But he makes it look easy, and I really enjoy watching him!

[@CaptainDominic]

I be been thinking of doing g this for some time and then this popped up. Perfect timing sir.

[@writereducator]

Tommy: "And that will be $850." Lady: "WTF?"

[@caraudiosolutions]

Lol

[@52superdude]

$850 being generous lol

[@stevehillier7018]

He accepts American Express 😀

[@Kodiak-on-a-Kayak]

nah, 1 hr labor time for a contractor if hes cool with ya, maybe $199

[@BigLove101]

Great job Mr. Tommy

[@joedasilva38]

True freckled, full bodied redhead. I'm in love!!!

[@dantaylor7416]

5:42-5:43 - “Wowwww, that sander looks so expensive!”

[@robbie6625]

Festool EC-150. It's about $575 right now, plus another $700 for the dust extractor. Definitely not something you need unless you do this professionally.

[@PRO4XKEV]

Great job, making use of the old door.

[@mitchkora]

Amazing. I’m half way through. Excellent chiseling and love the locking angle cuts. ❤

[@JanitorIsBack]

you already have a screen door soooooo why?

[@seaotter52]

JanitorIsBack And windows right there

[@elaynecrain]

We don't have a screen door. We have a glass storm door. I could open the window, but the Dutch Door allows for a bigger breeze, etc. and also allows for me to hand the boys random bits and bobs easier. We have a no shoes policy at the house so it's easier for me to hand them the toy they forgot, snacks, etc. this way, vs. throwing them out the window. In short, I just wanted one, and the show wanted to do the project. Sorry you didn't like it. Sincerely, The Homeowner

[@junkstough6622]

You are a very patient person. Hats off for answering these questions. I think the dutch door adds a lot of character. It would be great if you can post a picture after painting them.

[@williambiggs2308]

@@elaynecrain Hi Elayne, This is a great project with great results. The "new" door adds to the value.

[@michaelgavin7621]

0:28 that’s why. Two year mystery solved. She wanted to hear her kids better. I believe I contracted about $170,000 in door replacement in 2020. Sell the job!

[@JohnSmith-tg6dx]

The real story here is that saw, thing is a beast! 👍🏻

[@chrisdaniels4674]

Man that guy is good. I hope his kids are grateful and learned all they could.

[@redskies3000]

He has mad chisel skills. Makes it look easy

[@hamandcheese73]

Buying a premade dutch door is crazy expensive. A new dutch door in that style would easily run you over a grand. This is a great option if you have a little carpentry skill and want to save a ton of money.

[@ByersLeafguard]

So many great tips and tricks! Would've loved to see it finished with the coat of paint.

[@1806StoneHouse]

So cool. I would love to do this.. I wonder if it would be ok in a cold climate? Extra places for air to leak.. if anyone is looking for a cool renovation series, we’re renovating a 1806 stone house and posting weekly videos on KZbin.

[@kelstra1997]

Being critical, the horizontal member that was cut is a rail. A style is the vertical member to each side of the door.

[@ScanNCutJAMSessions]

If one more person says "open the window". Lord. How about, folks want to know how to make a Dutch door, so this is a "story" to do one. Move along, quietly if you don't like it, or think of other ways, fixes. She wanted it, so she got it. I love TOH. I wish they would come to my old country house, because it probably could use a Tommy or 10 🤣. Thanks for the video guys!

[@jacobbirkenfeld9261]

Helicopter mom level: 100 You can see her putting her skills to work this ENTIRE video. Not one scene with her NOT hovering over tommy!

[@RainAngel111]

Rather than helicopter mom, maybe she was curious to see how he was going to do it? She was also helping by holding the screws and nails.

[@elaynecrain]

That's not really fair. We filmed all day. I didn't tell them what parts to keep/leave out. They also gave me direction on what they wanted me to do/where I should be. Gees.

[@jacobbirkenfeld9261]

:( sorry. Your door looks nice! Hope it worked well for you!

[@DENIEL381]

WHAT A GIG TOMMY DRIVES ALL OVER THE USA ???????? AMAZING.

[@thekaduu]

Tommy is the man! Again...

[@PBandJsandwich]

Tom Silva has his stiles and rails reversed. The "stile" he refers to beginning at 9:38 is a rail - specifically, it's the lock rail. The "rails" he attached the wedges to are actually the stiles.

[@KpopLabPro]

Sir you are a genius!! Thank you for this awesome idea!

[@einarvolsung2202]

I'm wearing safety glasses so I can watch this video!

[@lunchboxproductions1183]

The real hero in this is the homeowner herself shutting down all the armchair carpenters in the comments!

[@1rewd133]

You can single cut the meeting rail and add weatherstrip. Works fine, less work.

[@jamesmelton7637]

I would leave the mismatched hinges. Although good workmanship is a must, keeping the history of the changes is beautiful in its own way. Also I don't like cardboard as a spacer.

[@FUKLIBERALS]

You don’t run across to many Tom Silva’s in a lifetime

[@stevehillier7018]

Tommy nailed it again

[@davidcornwell9045]

Amazing work Tommy!!

[@lanaperry9400]

Love a Dutch h door! Adds character!

[@scotia4429]

Can’t wait to see someone run into the glass half of the door when it’s left open

[@elaynecrain]

I think we'll be okay, but thanks for the concern. Love, The Homeowner

[@scotia4429]

It wasn’t concern, it was sarcasm

[@stevepovah4135]

He's coming back next week to install air bags. p.s. Deep Purple Rock

[@carlostineo698]

How about just opening the window...

[@AM-zn9gi]

A real master at work.

[@andrewb5887]

I would've done alternated rebates. So it seals, looks like a Dutch/stable door and doesn't have any pressure so the paint stays on.

[@mmon1984]

Tommy is wicked smart

[@caelachyt]

Two things: Correct me if I'm missing something. There is a storm door there at the beginning of this that has vanished at the end of it. At the very end Tommy mentions the two pieces he added where he cut the door saying he strengthened it by adding to the dimension, but he cut out a gap, not just a blade width, so the strengthening was negligible.

[@sfb4577]

a tapered wedge!!!! holy shit! i wound of never thought of that...Tommy is the man!

[@talshaharfamily]

Tommy does awesome work. Beautiful!

[@johnroberts9560]

Hi TOH , now that woman should say Tommy would you like a piece of Dutch Apple Pie , nice job on the door Tommy !!! 👍😃🛠

[@6creed933]

Next time install a Dutch oven. Great video

[@skippymagrue]

I love Dutch doors!

[@johnmontana8721]

Instead a middle filler to closed the gap, cut the filler with a lid hang down nail on the bottom of the door so when you close the top door it will close the gap from inside, seal tight!!!

[@fxprocc]

tommy just took it to an entire new level of PRO.

[@thelostarchivesserialvault5353]

It always amazes me that people install doors with those dinky little screws and wonder why it's so easy to kick a door in. Always use 4 inch or bigger screws to install hinges.

[@ironwill4706]

Wouldn't think to taper the door.... Love it

[@Zeldadude17]

This guy..hes a good guy

[@hurricanearthur9742]

-Exciting !

[@matthewkriha4624]

Attaching a plate that can be purposed as a service surface could a been another option. Say for serving the kids as they play outside so they dont have to come into the house to get drinks or food.

[@Mike__B]

Couldn't she just have opened up that window NEXT to the door if she wanted to hear her boys playing outside?

[@EDHBlvd]

Mike B but we would have missed out on using Dutchman’s to patch a Dutch door.

[@Jemalacane0]

If I were Tom Silva, I would have opened the window.

[@lifeinpictures]

Boo!

[@elaynecrain]

Well, we had a long list of projects and this is the one that the show wanted to do. Love, The Homeowner

[@BrianMansfield75]

Mike B maybe the window doesn't open and that is part 2... fixing the window

[@still34u]

this is exactly the moment where you think "Huh.. I could do that, it's easy! " Don't let Tommy fool you

[@cannibalbananas]

Love this show. It's taught me so much over the years.

[@lifeinpictures]

Tommy is the MAN!

[@ajbrown7245]

Nice Job Tom. But cheaper to put a screen in your storm door. Or open the window.

[@michaelgibson6166]

STOP WATCHING ME WORK LADY !!!

[@rwallace9848]

At 5:41 it looks like she's in awe of Tommy