Metal Door - New floor interference

[Rslaugh]

The 1 month bathroom that took 4 to finish is done. WHF loves it so I'm happy.

Next project - new tile in the back entranceway aka the mudroom.

First problem. Height of backerboard plus tile plus thinset will be higher than the bottom of the back door which is unfortunately a metal clad unit. I'm thinking my best option is to replace the door with a wood one which can be cut to fit. So much for a $150 project. Am I missing something better or easier?

[crokett]

No. Your other options are raise the existing door by reframing to move the metal door up or lowering the floor. What is under the backerboard? Can you remove existing flooring to get the clearance you need?

[jonmulzer]

How much interference are you going to have? Are you sure it is metal on the bottom also? Many metal clad doors I have seen are metal on front, back and sides but wood on the bottom. Some can be cut off, but you have to get creative on dressing it up.

Are you going to require backerboard? I have heard of newer, flexible thinsets that can be installed over wood subfloors that are very sturdy. I have no experience in the use or durability of them though.

[rnelson0]

So much for a $150 project.

If you do need a door, the local HD (Richmond, VA) is selling a large selection of slab doors for $19.99, no matter the size. Obviously, it's a limited selection but it looks like all sizes, just nothing fancy. Maybe that's offered in your area as well.

[Tom Slick]

If you are really attached to the door you could re-frame the opening.
If you have the means to cut it then it is worth a try, you have nothing to lose. you'd probably have to make a wood plug for the bottom then add a new door sweep to cover the bottom. you could cut it with a circular saw and an abrasive steel cutting blade.

I am assuming its an exterior door. They can be quite expensive. if you replace the entire door then double check the integrity of the current jambs. fitting a new slab into an existing jamb is often not worth the hassle to make it fit right. the doors aren't always the same size, the jamb isn't square, straight, plumb, or level. all of that is cured by installing the whole assembly.