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Decent-looking dog door?

Aberwacky | Posted in Construction Techniques on July 26, 2005 07:11am

We’re looking for a through-the-wall dog door for our new house.  Most that I’ve seen are, to be honest, cheap-looking.  We don’t want to junk up the new house with a plastic or aluminum-framed dog door–especially since our dogs are 85 pounds each, so it’s not going to be a subtle thing. 

I’ve checked the usual websites and haven’t found what we need.

Do any of ya’ll know of customizable doors (you add trim to match your house or some such thing) or attractive ready-made dog doors anywhere?  Or, failing that, ideas for building our own?  Our builder says he would be willing to make one if we come up with an idea.

I did search the archives, but didn’t see what I’m looking for.  Thanks in advance for your help!

Thanks

Leigh

 

Just because your children were born in the South doesn’t make them Southerners.  If a cat has kittens in the oven, does that make them biscuits?

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  1. Dirtpatch | Jul 26, 2005 08:04am | #1

    The important part is the plastic-magnetic flap thingie that snaps shut when Fido passes. Buy the unit from your favorite store; tear it apart (might need a mini grinder for the aluminum type) and perform a thingie-ectomy. Now make your ultra-posh tropical hardwood jamb, steeped and rubbed with exoitic oils and lovingly trimmed out with hand coped casing. Will Fido care? Not likely; but you'll have serious braggin' rights.

     

    Scott.

  2. User avater
    hammer1 | Jul 26, 2005 01:00pm | #2

    When folks ask about pet doors, I'm reminded of a friend who had a number of wild critters use his. A pair of young coons learned to use it and made quite a mess. You may want to think it over if you are in the country.

    Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

    1. Dave45 | Jul 26, 2005 04:46pm | #4

      I'm having a "discussion" with a customer right now about doggie doors.  It took a month to get all the critters from under her house and repair/replace the foundation vents.  Now, she wants a door for her dog.

      I've seen an insert that fits into the opening of a patio door.  It's about 12" wide and has a "hatch" at the bottom for Fido.  Has anyone used one of these?  Are they worth it?

      1. User avater
        BillHartmann | Jul 26, 2005 10:18pm | #9

        "I've seen an insert that fits into the opening of a patio door. It's about 12" wide and has a "hatch" at the bottom for Fido. Has anyone used one of these? Are they worth it?"Define "work it"?I installed one for a friend of mine. It does not leave much space for you go go through the door after you installed it. And I would not use one where there is any concern about security. But my friend liked it.But it is a lot more reversible than cutting a hole in the wall.

    2. DonCanDo | Jul 26, 2005 11:46pm | #12

       

      When folks ask about pet doors, I'm reminded of a friend who had a number of wild critters use his. A pair of young coons learned to use it and made quite a mess. You may want to think it over if you are in the country.

      The last time I was in PetSmart (basically, a pet store big box), I noticed that they had "locking" pet doors that could only be unlocked by a special collar worn by you pet.  With any luck, racoons aren't that clever.

      -Don

  3. paul42 | Jul 26, 2005 04:24pm | #3

    Buy one of the commercial ones that have replacement flaps available - add trim to taste.

     

     

  4. sandalboy | Jul 26, 2005 08:47pm | #5

    I went through this about 2 years ago. I've put too much effort into insulating my house, too much effort trying to make things look right to use a cheap plastic door. I spent a lot of time researching this online. The best doors that I could find were sold online by Pet Doors USA Inc. They sell the full range of cheap doors (like the Pet Safe brand )up through their own branded premium door. The premium ones are aluminum framed, but still look pretty good, and definately better than the plastic ones. They seal out the weather much better than the gravity / magnet flap type. All parts are replaceable and available from them and they are made in USA. I bought the premium one for about $100, it's a small cat door, and the door swings sideways. Their big dog doors have double side swinging doors. I did the trim in a way that makes it look nice. And I suppose if you wanted you could rabbet some trim to cover the aluminum flange completely for an even more custom look. I wouldn't recommend making your own wood frame. The pets seem to dirty the edges of everything pretty fast. The smooth hard surfaces clean easily. I think that you would be refinishing the wood yearly. I'd post a picture, but can't find the camera right now. Maybe later....

    1. Aberwacky | Jul 26, 2005 10:09pm | #8

      I've put too much effort into insulating my house, too much effort trying to make things look right to use a cheap plastic door.

      Exactly!  Thanks for the information--that's just what I was looking for.  You'd think there'd be a company out there that specialized in this kind of thing, but I haven't found them yet.

      Leigh 

      Just because your children were born in the South doesn't make them Southerners.  If a cat has kittens in the oven, does that make them biscuits?

  5. sandalboy | Jul 26, 2005 09:21pm | #6

    picture of pet door. And the website of where to get this type of door. http://www.petdoorsusa.com

  6. danlott | Jul 26, 2005 09:59pm | #7

    Do a search on Hale Pet Doors, I think these are the best on the market right now. 

    Dan Lott

    "Life is what happens when you are making other plans." - John Lennon

    1. Aberwacky | Jul 26, 2005 10:25pm | #10

      Thanks--I saw some online, but couldn't get much information on them other than the picture and that they are very durable.  Any experience with them?

      Leigh 

      Just because your children were born in the South doesn't make them Southerners.  If a cat has kittens in the oven, does that make them biscuits?

      1. danlott | Jul 26, 2005 10:55pm | #11

        Don't have any personal experience with the Hale doors, just information that I have found online.  Have used some of the cheaper pet doors, they work and are alot easier that getting off my lazybutt to open the door.  Will be installing one in the wall of our dining room when I remodel it and I will be using the Hale pet door.

        http://www.halepetdoor.com/

        Dan Lott"Life is what happens when you are making other plans." - John Lennon

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