How do I make a cellar door?
Question:I need to make an exterior door (with doorframe) to my house's cellar. I have some basic tools (e.g. a sliding mitre saw) but no router. The cellar always stays above freezing point in winter, but the outside temperature can drop to 30 below. I'm worried about warping, and also about how I'm going to fit a lock. I'm thinking of strap hinges and perhaps a rim lock or similar - basically I need a simple design I can knock up in a few hours/days. Does anyone have DIY instructions?
Answers:
Have you checked your local hardware/building supply stores? Bilco makes steel cellar doors which are sold at building supply stores come in standard sizes and go for between 260 and 300 dollars.
I have searched, and home made cellar doors are a thing of the past. You might have better luck at the local library.
Sorry.
The temp extremes may certainly be the larger issue as opposed to the construction.
First of all for an exterior entry basement/cellar entry the framework should grade/angle away from the structure. High at the structure/low at the point away from the structure. IE: 18 inches off ground, at the house...12 inches off ground at the far point out.
In your case I'd probably frame it in concrete block or steel framing and Sheeting (welded). I'd probably do the door if using steel, the same way.
If you choose wood, you must have local retailers who sell specific to your region and conditions, who might better advise.
The door, if you choose wood, should span the opening, probably be double layered specific lumber to the conditions, well treated and sealed, and in the middle, one door should have an overlap of the other door at the center.
The strap hinges certainly come in sizes large enough. A lock should also be able to withstand the elements. To fit it you might design the doors so that the lock can be shielded.
I suggest, given that you have the viable design, or concept at least; the proper materials; and hardware, a week might be a fair estimate.
Steven Wolf
You can order a custom-sized fiberglass or steel door, prehung. They will operate, insulate, and present better than anything you "knock up." You'll have to choose a flush, or slab door style, to allow them to make the size modifications. Check this out before spending any more time and money on a do it yourself project that might be better done by others. Also, you'll be able to fit the door with a standard entry lock set, or even a dead bolt. Good luck.
Why are you thinking of strap hinges if your going to have a frame? you'll need more then basic tools.
Man I've been remolding home for years. adding basement doors is best left to the pros. they have all the tools and the insight to not srewup. if you make a mistake while playing with the foundation then you have really made a mistake.
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