The Livingston 96” door delivers what Montana contractors need most — extensive width options from 12” to 36” in both hollow and solid core configurations. That 14-width range solves real problems when matching existing openings or meeting specific passage requirements in custom mountain homes.
Width Flexibility and Installation Requirements
Having 14 width options (12”, 14”, 15”, 16”, 18”, 20”, 22”, 24”, 26”, 28”, 30”, 32”, 34”, 36”) for 96-inch height doors sets the Livingston apart. Most manufacturers offer maybe 6-8 widths at this height. The door qualifies as ADA compliant, expanding its use cases for commercial projects.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Height Options | 80”, 84”, 96” |
| Width Options (96”) | 12” through 36” (14 options) |
| Thickness | 1-3/8” standard, 1-3/4” fire-rated |
| Rough Opening Height | Approx 98-1/2” for 96” doors |
| Hinge Requirement | 4 hinges for 96” height vs 3 for 80” |
| Bottom Rail Option | Commercial 10” available |
That fourth hinge requirement matters. Standard 80” doors run three hinges, but the extra height demands four hinges to prevent sagging. The commercial 10” bottom rail option adds durability for high-traffic applications.
Solid Core Performance Specifications
The Safe ‘N Sound solid core option provides up to 50% more noise reduction than hollow core — measurable performance that matters in open floor plans. Made with approximately 69% recycled materials, these doors deliver 70% more sound-dampening material than standard hollow core.
| Core Type | Weight | Sound Reduction | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hollow Core | Lighter weight | Standard | Cost-effective residential |
| Solid Core (Safe ‘N Sound) | Approx 50 lbs standard size | Up to 50% more than hollow | Bedrooms, bathrooms, offices |
The solid core construction addresses a real Montana challenge — noise control in homes with vaulted ceilings and open floor plans. That 50-pound weight feels substantial during installation, signaling quality to homeowners who compare it against flimsy alternatives.
Fire Rating and Commercial Applications
Available with 20-minute fire rating, with optional upgrades to 45/60-minute in solid core versions. Fire-rated doors require 1-3/4 inch thickness rather than the standard 1-3/8 inch. Commercial interior spaces (offices, storage rooms) can utilize these when ordered with fire ratings.
The fire rating flexibility expands project opportunities. Multi-family housing in Kalispell and Great Falls increasingly requires fire-rated interior doors between units and corridors. Having 20/45/60-minute options in one product line simplifies ordering.
Warranty Requirements and Installation Details
Masonite typically offers a 1-year or 7-year limited warranty on interior molded doors (varies by retailer), with some specifying 3-year coverage. But here’s the critical detail: warranty requires proper finishing — painting all 6 sides immediately after installation.
That 6-side painting requirement isn’t negotiable. Front, back, top, bottom, and both edges must be painted to maintain warranty and prevent moisture absorption. Skip the bottom edge, and warranty coverage disappears.
Molded panel construction resists warping, shrinking, and cracking better than solid wood — but only when properly sealed. The smooth, primed surface specifically engineered for easy painting accepts paint readily, making the mandatory finishing straightforward.
Installation Options and Hardware Compatibility
| Configuration | Includes |
|---|---|
| Slab Version | One (1) Primed Smooth Door Slab |
| Prehung Version | Door Slab, Wood Jambs, Hinges (typically 4 for 8ft doors), Pre-drilled Bore |
Compatible with standard US interior hardware (hinges, knobs, levers) and fits standard 4-9/16” or 6-9/16” jamb widths. Bore options include no bore, single bore (2-3/8” or 2-3/4” backset), or double bore.
Bottom Line
The Livingston 96” delivers on width flexibility where other manufacturers fall short. Fourteen width options from 12” to 36” solve real-world installation challenges. The solid core option with quantifiable noise reduction serves Montana’s open floor plan homes well. Fire rating availability expands commercial applications.
Watch that warranty requirement — all six sides need paint immediately. The CARB Phase 2 compliance matters for indoor air quality, especially in tight modern construction. At 96 inches tall, these doors suit Montana’s trend toward higher ceilings while offering the width options contractors need for custom installations.
FAQ
How much heavier is the solid core version compared to hollow core?
The solid core weighs approximately 50 lbs for a standard size, while hollow core offers lighter weight for easier handling. The weight difference is noticeable during installation but provides up to 50% more noise reduction.
What maintenance does the warranty require after installation?
The warranty requires painting all 6 sides (front, back, top, bottom, and both edges) immediately after installation. This isn’t optional — skip any surface and warranty coverage ends.
Can I get bifold configurations in the 96-inch height?
Bifold widths are available in 18”, 24”, 28”, 30”, 32”, 36”, 48”, and 60”. While these widths come standard in 80” heights, confirm availability for 96” doors when ordering as closet doors are available in both bifold and bypass configurations.
What’s the actual rough opening needed for a 96-inch door?
The rough opening height is approximately 98-1/2” for 96” doors, compared to typically 82-1/2” for standard 80” doors. Always verify specific requirements with your installation guide.
Does the solid core version qualify for any environmental certifications?
The doors are CARB Phase 2 compliant and may contribute to LEED credits as low-emitting materials. The solid core contains approximately 69% recycled material.
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