Accordion door: trimming width?

[millinghill]

Hi, I have an oddball utility closet opening in my basement of 38" wide, and th e thickness of the doorway wall is only 2" wide. I was thinking of install ing an accordion door. I don't want to install a regular 36" pre-hung door and wall up the doorway even more because I want as much clear width as pos sible in order to service and remove the equipment inside (water softener, salt tank, acid neutralizer, etc) as it's a very tight fit. Of course, I w on't be servicing/swapping this equipment often, but I'd rather not hem mys elf in. That said, the accordion doors I see on HomeDepot and Lowes indica te they can be trimmed for height, but no mention on whether they can be tr immed for width. If I buy a 48" wide accordion door, is it reasonable to t rim the width? Any experience is appreciated. Regards, Theodore

[Dean Hoffman]

Would an alternative work? Use a piece of paneling as a door. Cut it a little bigger than the opening. Nail a 1"x1" frame to for reinforcement. Install a couple wooden floor vents for air. Use magnets to hold the assembly against the wall.

[millinghill]

Yes, and true, but also hoping for something that the missus will have no grounds for criticizing as homemade, as I'm sure some folks on this list can relate to.

[Thomas]

Without seeing it, take the end off and trim away. Maybe some cheap pop rivits to put the edge back on. Rivits and a gun can be had for ten bucks ish.

[hrhofmann]

Would a sliding "Barn Door" type of door work? I have trimmed an accordion style door to fit a narrower opening, but it was a pain in the butt and I wouldn't recommend it if you can work something else out like a fancy barn door.

[Dean Hoffman]

I bet myself $10 you've already thought of a roll up/pull down interior door or shutter.