How to Install a Dog Door in a Sliding Screen Door
Adding a dog door to your sliding screen door can make life easier for both you and your pet. With the right kit and some patience, you can create an entryway that lets your furry friend come and go without constant supervision. Let's walk through the process step by step.
Gather Your Materials
You'll need a few key items before starting:
- 2 screen magnets
- 2 frame magnets
- 1 roll of protective tape
- Scissors
- Painter's tape
- Pencil
- Screwdriver (optional)
If you're using a DIY kit, it may also include two halves of a pet door frame designed to sandwich the mesh.
Prepare the Screen Door
First things first: remove your screen door from its hinges or track. Lay it flat on a clean surface. If you spot any tears in the mesh, replace it now—this will save headaches later.
Measure for Your Pet
Your dog's comfort is crucial. Measure from the floor to the top of their shoulders. Mark five inches above this height on the screen frame with painter's tape and pencil. This ensures your pet won't have to crouch awkwardly every time they use their new door.
Attach Magnets and Tape
- With the outside face of the screen facing up, put one screen magnet at each bottom corner of where you'll cut the flap. Leave a small gap between each magnet and the frame so they don't bump into each other when swinging.
- Apply protective tape along the bottom edge of the mesh over the lips of these magnets (keep tape off magnet faces).
- Add strips of tape vertically along both sides—from each bottom magnet up to your marked height. Repeat on both sides.
This reinforcement helps keep bugs out and strengthens your new flap.
Taping Both Sides for Strength
- Flip over the screen door. Tape along the backside's bottom edge and sides to match what you did on the front.
You want solid coverage so your flap doesn't fray or tear easily.
- Tape horizontally over where you'll split the top of your flap, overlapping onto side tape and extending halfway onto the frame itself. Flip again and repeat on this side too.
Create Your Pet Flap
- Pry out the spline (that ribbed strip holding mesh in place) below where you've taped using a screwdriver. Cut it at appropriate spots with scissors.
This releases just enough mesh for your opening—don't worry about trimming excess yet; you can tidy up later if needed.
- Remove loose mesh so it swings freely as a flap. Reinstall or stand up your screen door upright again.
Add Frame Magnets for Closure
- Attach frame magnets directly onto the screen frame so they align with those on your flap, ensuring everything closes neatly after each use.
If there's extra mesh sticking out along edges, trim it now—or leave it if you'd like more bug protection around your new opening.
Alternative: Using DIY Pet Door Kits
Kits often require sandwiching mesh between two halves of a rigid plastic frame, cutting inside that guide, then snapping or tap-locking both sides together. The steps are similar: measure carefully, mark clearly, cut decisively, fasten securely, then reinstall your finished door into its track.
Troubleshooting & Tips
- If you're worried about drafts or bugs sneaking in around your new flap, reinforce with extra weatherstripping or protective tape as needed.
- The process may vary slightly depending on brand—always check included instructions for specifics unique to your kit.
A Few Reminders Before You Start
- Always double-check measurements for both pet size and placement height before making any cuts!
- If you're unsure about any part of this project (especially if dealing with glass), consult manufacturer instructions or reach out to a professional installer for help.
