Double doors

[neilymog]

I've got some Veneered oak glazed doors with a 5mm trim all round. They are 6'6" x 2'6". Trouble is the opening is 6' 6 1/2". Has anyone ever had any success cutting these chipboard doors and gluing a solid trim back to them?
I need to alter the doors so that a casing head can be fitted. I'm not sure how robust the joints are on these doors and was wondering if they might fall apart.

cheers

[neilymog]

So here are the side lights that will be painted white with stained glass panels. I've had to compromise with the casing head. I'll post pics when i'm finished . see what you think.

[davidpidge]

I've had to rip down veneered chipboard doors and re-edge with solid timber. It worked fine.
The core of the doors was chipboard (with holes bored right through, top to bottom, to save weight I assume.) I then put two grooves down the edges and in the lippings and glued on with loose tongues. Used expanding poly glue in a tube.

[neilymog]

I've had to rip down veneered chipboard doors and re-edge with solid timber. It worked fine.
The core of the doors was chipboard (with holes bored right through, top to bottom, to save weight I assume.) I then put two grooves down the edges and in the lippings and glued on with loose tongues. Used expanding poly glue in a tube.

Thanks. The manufacturer told me not to cut the doors but I didn't understand why. I'm glad you told me about the loose feathers, makes sense. I've always been a bit wary of these engineered doors. Especially in older, existing openings. With only 5mm to play with there's not much room for taking in a door on the hinge side. Still, I suppose they are designed for new build work. I've hung a lot of engineered fire doors in schools but they all have had a bit of solid timber in the important places. I'm not convinced a 35mm internal glazed, chipboard door is going to survive a good row.

cheers.

[davidpidge]

I wish they would just put an engineered stile on both sides and make the core out of whatever. Would make life much easier but as you say they are designed for new build work where the opening is built first to suit.