My door saga...the internet truly is a wonderful thing.

[LuckyCharms]

I think I posted a pic awhile ago of an interior door that I hung. I'm in the process of replacing every interior door/door casing molding in my home. 10 doors in total. I've completed 7 already, and I'm working on the 8th. My goal was to be done by the end of this year, so I'm a bit ahead of schedule (I only work on these when I have the time).

My home was built in the 50's, and on virtually every door opening, the wall on the left side of the frame is not on the same plane as the wall on the right side of the frame. This results in something called "cross leg" in the door. What this means is that the door sticks out further than the edge of the jamb on either the top or the bottom, on the latch leg of the jamb. In my case, it is usually 1/4 to 1/2 inch. It makes it look like the door is warped.

I figured that there had to be a solution to this, but everything I tried did not work, or screwed up my casing.

I researched how to correct this for weeks, because every contractor I asked basically said "Dunno".

Several carpentry forums recommended taking a sledge hammer and beating the out of whack wall at the bottom plate to get the two walls to line up. No way was I going to do that. I have rock lath walls with very thick plaster and I would have cracked the hell out of it.

I came across this site where this guy has a system for hanging doors. the site has a video showing his system, and a simple drawing that finally explains how to fix the cross leg (see video and picture below).

I found this incredibly useful, especially since the pros that I spoke to either did not know or did not have the desire to fix this.

So if you have any interest in this type of stuff, here you go:

[Lars39]

1. This may have saved our bacon, LC

We've got this problem on one of our doors. Thanks for posting the solution!

[Phoenix61]

2. Wow! This is the exact same problem I

have with one door. Neighbors tell me a tree fell on the house. It seems it knocked things a little sideways. I’ve tried everything to fix that damn door and nothing has worked. No one I’ve talked to knew how to fix it. They told me to just live with it but....it just aggravates the heck out of me. Thanks so much for posting!

[Ohiogal]

3. Thanks, LC, this is good to know!

My home, too, was built in the 50s. When we completely remodeled the kitchen 10 years ago, virtually NOTHING was square or plumb. Sure made for a challenge but my husband was up to it, bless him. Now if only I could figure out a decent way to have a nice bathroom sink!

[asiliveandbreathe]

4. The internet is a great place to start for just about anything...we have two doors

I call "ghost" doors..they slowly open, especially the pantry door when not completely closed - my thinking is. the hinge or door is not set correctly..off balance..it is such a minor thing..but, now, I will have to research...our last home had hollow doors that I always wanted replaced..when building this one, NO hollow doors....

You are so good to post the updates on your home..what seems unachievable, is made more achievable..

[asiliveandbreathe]

5. I found it..how to adjust a door....

Will add to hubby's honey do list...

[Kali]

6. every door in this house is trashed, in fact I would very much like you to move in for a year

and fix it all, especially the floors. I will try to remove all snakes and scorpions before you arrive. Do you have any problem with other wild animals indoors?

[IcyPeas]

7. a-ha. he used math

math
arithmetic

and people say it's overrated.