Access Hole for Cat in Frame and Panel Door

[Wood_workur]

a 7" wide circle in the middle of the rail would leave the rail the strongest. It would leave the most wood remaining on the rail, with the thinnest part being the 2" at just the highest and lowest points of the circle. IMHO, that should not weaken the door substantially, but maybe a steel reinforcement would set your mind at rest.

Ideally the best place to drill through a floor joist is the middle 3rd- the part that is doing the least. The top of that joist is under compression and the bottom is under tension. The middle just sits there (this is why I joists work)

Now with a door I'm not sure how relevant that is, but I think that if you put a hole in the middle like that you could maybe route out the bottom and stick a piece of aluminum in there with some longer screws. I think the biggest problem would be any pressure from the panel if it wants warp. Either naturally of from moving the door.

[Uncle Hook]

Thanks to everyone for their advice. The owner of the house decided to keep the door intact and put the cat hole through a side wall. Here are finished pics.

[pelligrini]

That turned out pretty cool. Glad the door wasn't cut up.

[atgcpaul]

That is neat. As someone earlier asked, why couldn't the door be left ajar?
What's in the room behind the door that can't be let out or in but I cat can
mozy through with ease?

Paul

[Mr__Bill]

Nicely done



Bill,

[Shep]

I think you could fit a mountain lion through that whole. Nice work though. It blends in nicely.

[cabinetman]

Nicely done opening. It's a real big fancy Jerry hole (from Tom & Jerry).
.

[Pappy]

Someone mentioned the new 'door' being a conversation piece. I think you nailed that idea!

[jziegler]

I like it. I'd call that a better option than cutting a hole in the nice old door.

Jim