How to Make Your Kitchen Door Swing

Remove the existing door from its hinges and then unscrew the hinges from the wall, using an electric drill with a screw bit. Sand the surface of the door trim with medium-grit sandpaper and fill the screw holes with all-purpose caulk. Dry according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Saw off the vertical edges of both sides of the door on the inside where the hinges were. That way when the door swings open in both directions, the edges are not in the way. Use a power saw to cut a 45-degree angle, removing approximately 1/2 inch off the corners. Sand the new edges smooth with an electric sander so the door edge is smooth.

Paint over the old hinge area with paint matching the rest of the door trim. Cover over the edges of the door where the corners were trimmed and sanded, using a paint brush or paint roller. Dry thoroughly, or overnight.

Place the pivot bracket on the top of the door with a couple of screws, and the top of the pivot to the door frame, only long enough to mark the screw holes and pivot hole placement. The pivot top should sit 1-1/2 inches from the side jamb and the pivot bracket should sit 1-1/4 inches from the edge of the door. Drill out the 1/2-inch pivot hole with a 1/2-inch drill bit. Screw the pivot parts into the door frame and the top of the door.

Cut out a section from the bottom of the door on the pivot side to house the hinge. Line up the bottom of the hinge flush with the bottom of the door, leaving the foot sticking out lower. Trace the hinge against the side of the door and cut out the area with a jig or power saw. Slide the hinge into the door and screw into place.

Tilt the door to place the upper pivot into the bracket at the top of the door. Swing the door down and line up the swinging edge of the door to hang level. Screw the foot of the bottom hinge into the floor.