Get matched with top doors installers or repairers in your area

You can generally remove between 1/8-inch and 1 inch when planing a door, depending on its construction. Exceeding this range risks compromising the door's structural integrity. For hollow-core doors, only trim the solid wood perimeter frame. Always start with minimal removal and check the fit frequently to avoid over-planing.

For basic door planing, you'll need either a manual hand plane or an electric planer . Additional supplies include sandpaper for smoothing edges, appropriate paint or stain for finishing, and possibly a screwdriver for hardware removal. Painter's tape helps protect surfaces during the process.

A professional handyperson or carpenter can plane a door in less than an hour. This includes removing the door, marking the areas needing adjustment, carefully planing the edges, and rehanging the door. DIY projects often take longer, especially for those unfamiliar with the process or working with limited tools.

No, planing should only be performed on wood doors. Metal, composite, and fiberglass doors require different modification methods entirely. Even with wood doors, hollow-core models need special attention as only their solid perimeter frame can be planed. Always verify your door's construction before attempting any modifications.