How to Fit an Inset Door
Systematic approach yields perfect results every time

Synopsis: Learn a foolproof approach to fitting an inset door. All you need is basic handplaning skills and this step-by-step method. This is a companion article to Steve Latta’s “Flawless Hinges in Fine Furniture” in the same issue. The trick is to build the door a bit oversize and then fit it systematically, one edge at a time. You’ll end up with even gaps all around.
It is painful to see a student labor over a beautiful frameand-panel door only to have it all go wrong when fitting it to the opening. Trim off too much, or trim it unevenly, and there are unsightly gaps all around.
If I catch the student in time, I demonstrate my foolproof approach to fitting an inset door. With basic skills, anyone can get a perfect-looking door every time. The trick is to build the door oversize and then fit it systematically,…
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Comments
This was helpful to me as I just took my first run at inset doors. Thanks.
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