Window to Door Conversion Assistance
 

We have built a deck and would like to replace an existing window that now looks onto the deck with a door.
The window is about 30" wide and about 84" at its highest. I've been looking for 30"x84"(2'6"x7'0") doors and the selection is VERY limited.

BUT we could have many more door designs to choose from if we could use a 32" door.

It's hard to tell what the actual rough opening would be without ripping all the molding off now - before we begin the door installation.

Is there a way to maintain structural strength and cut away an inch from the 2x4's around the rough opening?

Thanks in advance.

I would go with a 36" door
Where does the door lead ?
How old is the window/house ?
My windows were originally single pane w/sash weights & RO was 3" wider on each side

Yes, but you would have to get full nailing in the existing header: http://www.strongtie.com/products/connectors/hh.asp

Vinyl windows may be 1/2" of room past jambs, aluminum the same. A picture would be helpful........

Be safe, Gary

You are not going to fit a 2'6 x 7'0 door in the RO you desribe.The RO needs to be at minimum 2" wider and 2 1/4" taller than the dimensions of the door slab, sometimes a little more on the height, depending on the style of threshold the manufacturer uses. So a 30" door requires a minimum 32" RO, and that assumes the framing is reasonable plumb.
A 30 to 31" RO is only going to take a 28" door, a size that I don't think anyone manufactures anymore in exterior units.
The biggest factor that is limiting your current choices is that you are looking at 7'0" exterior doors, you will have better selection when you look at 6'8' units.

Also be prepared that there is a very high possibility of an electrical wire running under the window if there are outlets in the walls adjacent to the window.