Need to replace the front door on our house which we have been working through and I wondered if building our own front door would be a good project for someone with novice->junior woodworking skills.
Current door is 32″ with storm door, rectangle frame.
New door (solid wood, dark stain, fan lite) will also have a storm door (2 lite, full view). Jam will also need to be replaced. Straight rectangle frame.
Is this something I should consider doing or should I stick to the murphy bed and builtin’s?
Van G
Replies
If you can build built-ins and Murphy beds, you can build a door. The joinery is very similar. If it's a traditional door, use a drill press and/or one with a mortising chisel for the three sets of long tenons, top middle and bottom. Or build your door as a laminate of three layers.
Expert since 10 am.
If you need to ask I might suggest that you may have answered your own question?
Entry doors take a beating and need to be constructed with that in mind as well as weather, exposure, material selection etc.
You will not be successful long term building such a door with a cope & stick router set you can be sure. Joinery needs to be M&T or possibly dowels/dominos etc (cookies don't cut it IMO).
You also must be able to accurately mill heavy, long stock for stiles and have available a flat surface for glue up. I built a torsion box assembly table just for doors, without it chances are the glueup will have wind to it.
Like most WW projects, it is totally do-able with careful planning but in the end only you know if it is within your comfort level or not.
Van, you're doing the right thing by researching it first. It's no easy task to manufacture and replace an entry unit, but you don't have to be an astro-physicist either.
You should first come up with your design--then determine your skill level (fan-lites can be tricky for ANY skill level), tools and equipment available to you, material availability, time considerations, finishing methods, locks and hardware selection, glass and glazing for both doors, and the associated costs of all of the above.
Then go to the lumber yard and buy a pre-hung door.
Nice doorboy. You've got me picking up the phone for Central Fairbanks as I type!This fall was either a front door or the dining room table. I thought the door would be better because people will pass by my suspect work instead of starring at it while eating. Maybe it will take their mind of my horrible cooking!Thanks for the replies.Van G
Sir.. You have a better idea of your skills (and frustration levels) than anybody in here.
A (GOOD) door is NOT a simple task but I think if you REALLY want to make one there are plans and ideas ( I recall a very good one published by FineWoodWorking....) I cannot find it at the moment.
I would say if you WANT to.... GO for it.... You will most likely find a better and less cost door if it is a common size factory made. If not.. You may break even or feel you did... Unless you figure in time to make...
I use to make doors but I did it part time and for rich folks that never minded the price. The cost to you for a quality wood and whatever these days.. A factory made quality door is the way to go in my opinion.
But if you just have to do it.. A door can be a frustrating but FUN project to make. If it fits in the opening!
Bear in mind that even a factory door can be faulty. I used to pick out the first one of the pile. I once took one home and had to take it back. Took the second one home and took it back. I noticed the third one had some dry rot after it was half mounted but I made it work anyway. I have since learned to look the doors over just like I would boards from the pile.
Hello Van I have done a couple of entry doors and they are not that hard to make, You do need to be able to mill long boards flat and square so a big jointer is a must in my mind. Norm Abrams made a entry door out of Mahogany on his show I would suggest you get that episode on tape and watch it. Good luck and post some pics.
Troy
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