EASY STEPS TO REPAIR YOUR FRONT DOOR

Gather your supplies

• Spakfilla

• Acrylic gap filler

• Undercoat

• Water-based enamel paint

• Water-based decking oil

You’ll also need Carpenter’s pencil; screwdriver; hammer; circular saw; sander; 120 and 180-grit sandpaper; scraper; lint-free cloth; painter’s tape; utility knife; painting gear; door wedge or Winbag inflatable wedge; drill; Phillips head screws

Here’s how

STEP 1 To scribe the door with the line of the floor, take a carpenter’s pencil and turn it on its edge. With the tip of the pencil on the door, run it along the floor. The height of the pencil gives an adequate gap under the door.

STEP 2 To remove slotted screws that have been painted in, use a screwdriver and hammer to first remove the paint from slots. If the screws are rusted in, give the screwdriver a sharp tap to loosen them. Undo all screws in hinges and remove door.

STEP 3 Set your circular saw so it will just cut through the thickness of the door. Use saw to cut along line scribed along bottom of the door.

STEP 4 Unscrew and remove any hardware and handles from the door.

STEP 5 Use a sander with 180-grit paper to remove any loose or flaking paint and smooth surface of timber.

STEP 6 Use 120-grit paper to hand-sand profiled door mouldings. Bend sandpaper to match the shape of the moulding as much as possible.

STEP 7 Use spakfilla and scraper to fill any divots or dents found in the timber after sanding. Let dry then sand these areas smooth.

STEP 8 Fill any gaps or cracks around the timber mouldings using acrylic gap

filler. Remove most of the excess with your finger, then follow with a damp cloth to smooth out the filler with the timber.

STEP 9 Use painter’s tape to mark off glass in the door. Use a utility knife to cut the end of the tape for a neat finish in the corners.

STEP 10 Apply undercoat to entire door. Don’t forget to paint top and bottom to seal them and prevent moisture entering the door. Leave to dry, then sand lightly. Remove dust.

STEP 11 Apply 2 coats of enamel paint to door. Allow to dry after each coat, and sand lightly after first coat.

STEP 12 Remove painter’s tape from glass and reattach hardware to door.

STEP 13 To rejuvenate the timber threshold, apply 2 coats decking oil, leaving it to dry after each coat.

STEP 14 Position door near opening and use a wedge to raise it to correct height. An inflatable wedge called a Winbag makes this easy.

STEP 15 Screw hinges back in position. Use Phillips head screws, as they’re easier to drive than slot screws.

FOR PROJECT SUPPLIES, SEE OUR STOCKISTS PAGE