Need a little door help

[john davey]

Hi all. I have a little mutt on the way and would like to build a door to go between my kitchen and living room. One of those swing both way ones like you see in restaurants. I know I can get the hardware at the borg and simply need a little advice on the largest a panel can be in a door. I am planning to make this door 50 inches high and it is a 32" opening. I was thinking 6" wide 6/4 stock all around and one panel floating in the middle. that would make the panel roughly 39 by 21 given some room for it to fit in the slot. I was thinking 1/4 ply for the panel (but could do 1/2). Is this to big of a panel for a door this size? Should I make a mullion and rail and 4 small panels or will the one work? thanks. John

[Frank Drew]

John,

You'll be fine with a plywood panel that size; I'd go with 1/2" (or at least 3/8" -- if you can find it) rather than 1/4", just for the feel of the thing.

[john davey]

Thanks Frank. I'll go with 1/2 inch...John